筆 (bǐ) - Writing instrument such as a pen, pencil, or & to write or record

筆Tone 3

bǐ ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

筆 · bǐ

Writing instrument such as a pen, pencil, or brush;

to write or record;

a stroke in Chinese calligraphy;

also used to refer to writing style or works.

Writing instrument such as a pen, pencil, orto write or recorda stroke in Chinese calligraphy

Usage highlights

PenBrush penPencilNotesWriting styleSignature

Synonyms

  • 写— to write
  • 书— book; to write
  • 文— writing; language

Antonyms

  • 口— mouth; spoken word (antonym to written word)
  • 言— speech; word (antonym to written word)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I write with a pen (钢笔).
  • He is learning Chinese calligraphy brush strokes (笔法).
  • Please take notes (笔记).
  • This is a masterpiece (杰作).

Collocations

  • Pen(钢笔)
  • Brush pen(毛笔)
  • Pencil(铅笔)
  • Notes(笔记)
  • Writing style(笔风)
  • Signature(亲笔签名)

Idioms

  • The pen is mightier than the sword(笔扫千军)
  • To write fluently(下笔如神)
  • A slip of the pen(笔误)
  • To wield a poisonous pen(笔诛墨伐)
  • To add the finishing touch(画龙点睛之笔)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically, the brush (毛笔) was the primary writing tool in China, deeply associated with scholarship and the literati class.
  • The character 筆 embodies the concept of 'writing' and 'recording', fundamental to Chinese civilization and bureaucracy.
  • In calligraphy, the quality of one's 'brushwork' (笔法) is highly esteemed as a reflection of character and cultivation.

FAQ