盆 (pén) — basin (container for liquids); flower pot
Definition
A 盆 is a shallow, wide container — usually a washbasin or flower pot. 桶 is deeper and taller (a bucket or barrel) and used for carrying or holding more liquid.
noun
basin (container for liquids)flower pot
Measure word · 个
Examples
- 盆。Wǒ měi tiān yòng pén xǐ liǎn.I wash my face with a basin every day.
- 。Zhè duǒ huā xū yào yí gè xīn de huā pén.This flower needs a new flower pot.
- 盆。Tā bǎ wǎn fàng zài pén lǐ xǐ.He puts the bowls in the basin to wash.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost 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
皿皿mǐn
Sound part声符shēngfú
分
分fēn盆pén(r)
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.
盆 pairs 分, which gives the sound, with 皿, a vessel, to indicate a basin or tub.
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