杯

bēi: 杯 - Cup, Glass, Trophy

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: 杯, bēi, Chinese for cup, Chinese measure word for drinks, bēizi, 量词 (liàngcí), gānbēi, cheers in Chinese, Chinese drinking culture, trophy in Chinese, learn Chinese characters.
  • Summary: Discover the Chinese character 杯 (bēi), the essential word for “cup” or “glass.” This guide explains its use not only as a noun but also as a crucial measure word (量词, liàngcí) for drinks like “a cup of tea” (一杯茶). We'll explore its role in compound words like “trophy” (奖杯) and its deep significance in Chinese toasting culture with the term “干杯” (gānbēi), helping you navigate social situations and understand daily conversations in Mandarin Chinese.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): bēi
  • Part of Speech: Noun, Measure Word
  • HSK Level: HSK 1
  • Concise Definition: A cup, glass, or other drinking vessel; a measure word for cupfuls.
  • In a Nutshell: 杯 (bēi) is the fundamental concept of a “cup” in Chinese. While you'll often see it as part of the word for a physical cup, 杯子 (bēizi), its most important function for a learner is as a measure word. Just as you say “a cup of coffee” in English, you use 杯 in Chinese to count drinks: 一杯咖啡 (yì bēi kāfēi). It's a simple but indispensable word for everyday life.

Character Breakdown

  • 杯 is a phono-semantic compound character, meaning it combines a component for meaning with one for sound.
  • Radical (Meaning): The left side is 木 (mù), which means “wood” or “tree.” This points to the origin of early drinking vessels, which were often carved from wood.
  • Phonetic (Sound): The right side is 不 (bù), which means “no” or “not.” In this character, its primary function is to provide the pronunciation, as “bù” sounds somewhat similar to “bēi.”
  • Combined Meaning: Together, they form a character that means “a vessel (originally) made of wood (木) that has the sound 'bēi'.”

Cultural Context and Significance

  • Toasting Culture and 干杯 (gānbēi): The most significant cultural aspect of 杯 is its role in toasting. The term 干杯 (gānbēi) literally means “dry the cup.” Unlike the casual English “cheers,” a call to 干杯 is often a serious invitation to finish your entire drink in one go, especially in business dinners or formal banquets. When toasting with a superior or elder, it is customary to hold your glass slightly lower than theirs to show respect. This simple gesture with a 杯 is a key part of social etiquette.
  • Contrast with Western “Cheers”: While “cheers” can be a lighthearted clinking of glasses before taking a small sip, 干杯 carries the weight of camaraderie, respect, and sometimes, social pressure. Understanding this difference is crucial for anyone dining with Chinese friends or colleagues. Not finishing your drink after a heartfelt “gānbēi” could be seen as impolite in certain contexts.
  • Symbol of Achievement: Just like in English, a cup can symbolize victory. A 奖杯 (jiǎngbēi) is a “trophy” or “award cup.” The most famous example is the 世界杯 (Shìjièbēi), the FIFA World Cup, a term recognized by hundreds of millions of Chinese sports fans.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • As a Measure Word (量词): This is its most frequent and grammatically important use. It's placed between a number and a noun (the liquid).
    • `Number + 杯 + Liquid`
    • Example: 我想喝一杯茶。(Wǒ xiǎng hē yì bēi chá.) - I'd like to drink a cup of tea.
  • As a Noun (usually in 杯子): When referring to the physical object, Chinese speakers most often use the two-character word 杯子 (bēizi). The 子 (zi) is a common noun suffix that doesn't add much meaning.
    • Example: 我的杯子在哪里？(Wǒ de bēizi zài nǎlǐ?) - Where is my cup?
  • In Compound Words: 杯 is a building block for many common words related to drinking vessels and awards.
    • 茶杯 (chábēi): Teacup
    • 酒杯 (jiǔbēi): Alcohol cup / wine glass
    • 玻璃杯 (bōlibēi): Glass (tumbler)
    • 奖杯 (jiǎngbēi): Trophy
    • 世界杯 (Shìjièbēi): The World Cup

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 我每天早上喝一杯咖啡。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ měitiān zǎoshang hē yì bēi kāfēi.
    • English: I drink a cup of coffee every morning.
    • Analysis: This shows the most common usage of 杯 as a measure word for a daily routine.
  • Example 2:
    • 服务员，请给我们两杯水。
    • Pinyin: Fúwùyuán, qǐng gěi wǒmen liǎng bēi shuǐ.
    • English: Waiter, please give us two glasses of water.
    • Analysis: Note the use of 两 (liǎng) instead of 二 (èr) for “two” when used with a measure word like 杯.
  • Example 3:
    • 这个红色的杯子是我的。
    • Pinyin: Zhège hóngsè de bēizi shì wǒ de.
    • English: This red cup is mine.
    • Analysis: Here, 杯子 (bēizi) is used as the noun for the physical object itself, not as a measure word.
  • Example 4:
    • 为了我们的友谊，干杯！
    • Pinyin: Wèile wǒmen de yǒuyì, gānbēi!
    • English: To our friendship, cheers!
    • Analysis: A classic toasting phrase using 干杯 (gānbēi). The context is celebratory and friendly.
  • Example 5:
    • 你想喝点什么？茶还是果汁？一杯就可以。
    • Pinyin: Nǐ xiǎng hē diǎn shénme? Chá háishì guǒzhī? Yì bēi jiù kěyǐ.
    • English: What would you like to drink? Tea or juice? One cup/glass will be fine.
    • Analysis: This demonstrates how “一杯” can be used as a short answer when the liquid is already understood from the context.
  • Example 6:
    • 他不小心打碎了一个玻璃杯。
    • Pinyin: Tā bù xiǎoxīn dǎsuìle yíge bōlibēi.
    • English: He accidentally broke a glass.
    • Analysis: 玻璃杯 (bōlibēi) is a compound word for a “glass” made of glass (玻璃).
  • Example 7:
    • 祝贺你！这是你的奖杯！
    • Pinyin: Zhùhè nǐ! Zhè shì nǐ de jiǎngbēi!
    • English: Congratulations! This is your trophy!
    • Analysis: Shows the use of 杯 in the context of awards and achievement with 奖杯 (jiǎngbēi).
  • Example 8:
    • 2022年的世界杯在卡塔尔举行。
    • Pinyin: Èr líng èr'èr nián de Shìjièbēi zài Kǎtǎ'ěr jǔxíng.
    • English: The 2022 World Cup was held in Qatar.
    • Analysis: Using 世界杯 (Shìjièbēi) to refer to the major international sporting event.
  • Example 9:
    • 倒满你的酒杯，我们再喝一杯。
    • Pinyin: Dào mǎn nǐ de jiǔbēi, wǒmen zài hē yì bēi.
    • English: Fill up your wine glass, let's have another drink.
    • Analysis: This sentence uses both 酒杯 (jiǔbēi - the object) and 一杯 (yì bēi - the measure word) clearly distinguishing their functions.
  • Example 10:
    • 在中国，跟长辈碰杯时，你的杯口应该低一点。
    • Pinyin: Zài Zhōngguó, gēn zhǎngbèi pèngbēi shí, nǐ de bēikǒu yīnggāi dī yìdiǎn.
    • English: In China, when you clink glasses with an elder, the rim of your cup should be a little lower.
    • Analysis: This sentence explains a key cultural rule of etiquette directly. 碰杯 (pèngbēi) means “to clink glasses.”

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • 杯 (bēi) vs. 杯子 (bēizi): This is a critical distinction.
    • Use 杯 (bēi) as the measure word: 一杯水 (yì bēi shuǐ - a glass of water).
    • Use 杯子 (bēizi) as the noun for the object: 我买了一个新杯子 (Wǒ mǎile yíge xīn bēizi - I bought a new cup).
    • Incorrect: ~~我买了一个新杯。~~ (Wǒ mǎile yíge xīn bēi.) This is grammatically awkward and sounds unnatural to a native speaker.
  • Forgetting the Measure Word: English speakers might be tempted to say “I want coffee” (我要咖啡). While understandable, it's far more natural in Chinese to specify the quantity with a measure word: “我要一杯咖啡” (Wǒ yào yì bēi kāfēi). Forgetting the measure word is a common beginner mistake.
  • Misunderstanding 干杯 (gānbēi): As mentioned in the cultural section, do not treat “干杯” as a light “cheers.” If someone of authority or a host toasts you with a serious “干杯,” be prepared to finish your drink. If you can't, you can politely explain or say “我随意，您干了” (Wǒ suíyì, nín gānle), which means “I'll drink as much as I can, you can finish yours.”

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 杯子 (bēizi) - The most common noun for “cup” or “glass.”
  • 干杯 (gānbēi) - The verb “to toast” or “cheers,” literally “dry cup.”
  • 量词 (liàngcí) - The grammatical term for “measure word” or “classifier.” 杯 is a perfect example.
  • 碗 (wǎn) - Bowl. Another common container, often used as a measure word for food like rice or soup (e.g., 一碗饭 - a bowl of rice).
  • 瓶 (píng) - Bottle. A different measure word for liquids that come in bottles (e.g., 一瓶水 - a bottle of water).
  • 茶 (chá) - Tea. A drink frequently measured with 杯.
  • 酒 (jiǔ) - Alcohol. The drink most associated with toasting culture and 酒杯 (wine/liquor cups).
  • 奖杯 (jiǎngbēi) - Trophy, award cup.
  • 世界杯 (Shìjièbēi) - The World Cup.
  • 碰杯 (pèngbēi) - To clink glasses. A physical action done during a toast.