瓶子 (píng zi) — bottle | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

A bottle — a tall, narrow container typically for liquids. Compare with 盒子, which is a generic 'box' (often with a lid) for solid or varied contents.

noun

bottle

Measure word · 个

Derived word

构词法gòucífǎ

后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

子zǐfamiliar ending

瓶 gives the bottle idea, and 子 is a familiar ending.

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.

并瓦瓶

Meaning part形符xíngfú

瓦瓦wǎearthenware

Sound part声符shēngfú

并

Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

瓶 uses 瓦 to show an earthenware vessel and 并 for the sound. The original vessel had a long slender neck and narrow mouth.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

子 is drawn as a baby with a large head, arms stretched out, and legs wrapped in a blanket.

Appears in