(bái) — (adjective) white; blank; plain; (adverb) in vain; for nothing; free of charge

Definition

As an adjective, 白 is the simple word for 'white' (the color); as an adverb it means 'in vain' or 'free of charge' (more colloquial than 无偿). Don't confuse the 'free' sense with 无偿, which is formal written.

adjective
whiteblankplain
adverb
in vainfor nothingfree of charge

Examples

  • Chuāng wài yǒu yì duǒ bái yún.
    There is a white cloud outside the window.
  • Tā bái děng le hěn jiǔ, dàn hái shì méi chéng gōng.
    He waited in vain for a long time, but still didn't succeed.
  • Zhè xiē yǐn liào shì bái sòng de, bú yòng huā qián.
    These drinks are given away for free, no need to pay.

Grammar

Browse more HSK 5 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.