Introduction: Discovering 杯 (bēi)
In Chinese, the character 杯 (bēi) holds more than just its literal meaning of “cup.” With over 20 years of experience in teaching Chinese, I have seen students struggle with understanding not only the letter of the language but also the nuances that come with it. This article explores the meaning, grammatical structure, and practical usage of 杯 (bēi), providing the readers a comprehensive understanding that extends beyond vocabulary.
What Does 杯 (bēi) Mean?
The character 杯 (bēi) is primarily used to refer to a “cup” or “glass” and is commonly associated with beverages. However, its application can extend to various contexts. For instance, it can also symbolize a measure of quantity. In Mandarin, the term is often accompanied by other words to denote specific types of cups, such as 茶杯 (chá bēi) meaning “tea cup” or 酒杯 (jiǔ bēi) meaning “wine glass.”
Additional Meanings and Contexts
- As a Measure: In certain contexts, 杯 can serve as a unit of measurement, especially in recipes.
- Symbolic Uses: It may be used metaphorically in phrases to signify completion or fullness.
The Grammatical Structure of 杯 (bēi)
Grammatically, 杯 (bēi) functions as a noun. It can be used in various grammatical structures, including as a subject or object within a sentence. Its usage can be simplified into practical categories, making it easier for learners to grasp.
Countable Noun
杯 is a countable noun. In Mandarin, countable nouns require a measure word. The measure word for 杯 is “个” (gè) in informal contexts, while “只” (zhī) might be used for certain containers. The construction is typically as follows:
Measure word + 杯 (bēi) (e.g., “三杯水” meaning “three cups of water”).
Example Sentences Using 杯 (bēi)
Everyday Examples
- 我喝了一杯水。
(Wǒ hē le yī bēi shuǐ.)
Translation: I drank a cup of water. - 请给我两杯茶。
(Qǐng gěi wǒ liǎng bēi chá.)
Translation: Please give me two cups of tea.
Extended Usage
- 他有很多杯酒。
(Tā yǒu hěn duō bēi jiǔ.)
Translation: He has many glasses of wine. - 这杯咖啡真好喝。
(Zhè bēi kāfēi zhēn hǎo hē.)
Translation: This cup of coffee is really good.
Grammatical Nuances
When using 杯 (bēi) in conjunction with other words, it’s crucial to pay attention to the structure of the sentence. For instance, adjectives describing the type of drink or the quality of the cup can be placed before the noun:
- 这是一杯热茶。
(Zhè shì yī bēi rè chá.)
Translation: This is a cup of hot tea.
Conclusion: Embracing the Versatility of 杯 (bēi)
In summary, 杯 (bēi) is a versatile noun in the Chinese language that signifies much more than just a cup. The grammatical structure involves its use as a countable noun, often requiring measure words and accompanied by adjectives to provide clarity. By understanding its various contexts and applications, learners can enhance their Chinese communication skills significantly.
Encouraging students to practice using 杯 in different sentence structures will not only broaden their vocabulary but also help them appreciate the beauty and complexity of the Chinese language. Whether you are savoring a comforting cup of tea or engaging in a lively conversation, remember that every word you learn is a step towards fluency.

Sứ mệnh của Chuyên là giúp đỡ và truyền cảm hứng cho các bạn trẻ Việt Nam sang Đài Loan học tập, sinh sống và làm việc. Là cầu nối để lan tỏa giá trị tinh hoa nguồn nhân lực Việt Nam đến với Đài Loan và trên toàn cầu.
CÓ THỂ BẠN QUAN TÂM
Du học Đài Loan
Lao Động Đài Loan
Việc Làm Đài Loan
Đơn Hàng Đài Loan
Visa Đài Loan
Du Lịch Đài Loan
Tiếng Đài Loan
KẾT NỐI VỚI CHUYÊN
Zalo: https://zalo.me/0936126566
Website: www.dailoan.vn