点拨 (diǎn bō) — to give a hint or pointer (to help someone understand)

Definition

A colloquial verb meaning to give a brief, pointed hint that helps someone see what they were missing. Often pairs with 他/我, takes 了 and a measure word (∼一下/∼了他一下).

verb
to give a hint or pointer (to help someone understand)
Easily confused

Examples

  • 点拨，。
    Lǎo shī diǎn bō le tā yí xià, tā jiù míng bai le.
    The teacher gave him a pointer, and he understood.
  • 点拨，。
    Jīng guò tā de diǎn bō, wǒ hěn kuài jiù xué huì le.
    After his guidance, I quickly learned.
  • 点拨。
    Tā jǐ jù huà jiù diǎn bō le wǒ.
    He enlightened me with just a few words.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

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

点diǎnpoint out
拨bōturn/guide

点 means point out and 拨 means turn or guide; together give a hint.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 點; 点 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
黑黑hēiblack
Sound part声符shēngfú
占
占zhàn點diǎn(r)
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 點 pairs 黑 (black) with 占 for its sound; the simplified 点 is a later abbreviation.

Open 点 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 撥; 拨 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
手手shǒuhand
Sound part声符shēngfú
發
發fā撥bō
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 撥 combines 手 (hand) with 發, which gives the sound; the simplified 拨 is a different form.

Open 拨 →

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