般 (bān) - Kind, sort, type & manner, way

般Tone 1

bān ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

般 · bān

Kind, sort, type;

manner, way;

to move, to transport;

used in various compound words.

Kind, sort, typemanner, wayto move, to transport

Usage highlights

GenerallyVarious kindsAll kindsMove troopsTransport goodsIn this way

Synonyms

  • 种— kind, type
  • 类— category, class
  • 样— manner, way

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This is a special kind of flower (一种特别的花).
  • He spoke in a gentle manner (用温和的语调).
  • They transported the goods by ship (用船运输货物).
  • Generally speaking (一般来说), this method works well.

Collocations

  • Generally(一般)
  • Various kinds(般般)
  • All kinds(诸般)
  • Move troops(般兵)
  • Transport goods(般运)
  • In this way(这般)

Idioms

  • All kinds of obstruction(百般阻挠)
  • Use every possible means(百般刁难)
  • All sorts of tricks(般般伎俩)
  • The same as usual(一般无二)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a hand using a tool to move a boat, hence the meaning 'to move, transport'.
  • In Buddhist texts, 般 is used in 般若 (prajñā) meaning 'wisdom'.
  • The character evolved to mean 'kind, sort' through extended usage.

FAQ