把子 (bà zi) — handle, grip (of a tool, utensil, or object)

Definition

A colloquial measure-like noun for the handle or grip of a tool, utensil, or object — more spoken than 把手 bǎshǒu, which is the standard term. Always takes the ∼ placeholder where the full noun would go (e.g. 刀的∼ = 'the knife's handle').

noun
handlegrip (of a tool, utensil, or object)
Measure word · 把

Examples

  • 把子。
    Zhè bǎ dāo de bà zi huài le.
    The handle of this knife is broken.
  • 把子，。
    Guō de bà zi hěn tàng, xiǎo xīn bié tàng dào shǒu.
    The pot's handle is very hot — be careful not to burn your hand.
  • 把子。
    Tā yòng lì wò zhù le gōng jù de bà zi.
    He gripped the handle of the tool tightly.

Origin

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.

把bǎhandle
子zǐ

把 names the handle, and 子 completes the everyday term for that object part.

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.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
扌Written in full as手shǒuhand
Sound part声符shēngfú
巴
巴bā把bǎ
Same sound today

把 combines 扌, a hand, with 巴 for its sound.

Open 把 →

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.

Open 子 →

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