扁 (biǎn) — flat
Definition
Adjective describing something pressed or squashed flat (a squashed can, a flat bag). Don't confuse with 平, which means level/smooth as a surface — 扁 emphasizes loss of shape or thinness.
adjective
flat
Examples
- 扁。Zhè kuài bǐng gān bèi yā biǎn le.This cookie was crushed flat.
- 扁。Tā bǎ zhǐ yā biǎn le.He pressed the paper flat.
- 扁。Zhè zhǒng biǎn de dài zi zhuāng bù liǎo duō shǎo dōng xī.This kind of flat bag can't hold much.
Origin
Compound ideograph六书liùshū
会意huìyìTwo or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.
- 戶戶hùdoor
- 冊冊cèbamboo tablets
扁 is made from 戶 (door) and 冊 (bamboo tablets), giving the idea of inscribing on a door or of two flat, thin things.
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