扁平 (biǎn píng) — flat and thin (of shape)

Definition

Describes a shape that is both flat and thin (like a flattened nose or tire). Pairs with 的 after a noun (鼻子是扁平的) or directly modifies a shape noun.

adjective

flat and thin (of shape)

扁平。
Zhè ge lún tāi yǐ jīng biǎn píng le.
This tire has gone flat.
扁平。
Tā de bí zi shì biǎn píng de.
Her nose is flat.
扁平。
Zhè zhǒng shè jì yǒu yí gè biǎn píng de xíng zhuàng.
This design has a flat, thin shape.

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

扁 and 平 both describe a level, thin surface.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

扁 is made from 戶 (door) and 冊 (bamboo tablets), giving the idea of inscribing on a door or of two flat, thin things.

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The origin is uncertain. One explanation combines 八 (division) and 亏 (exhaled air) to show smooth speech.

Appears in