wǎn HSK 3

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我买了一个碗。
Wǒ mǎi le yī gè wǎn.
I bought a bowl.
这个碗很大。
Zhè gè wǎn hěn dà.
This bowl is very big.
碗里有米饭。
Wǎn lǐ yǒu mǐfàn.
There is rice in the bowl.
这个碗很大。
Zhège wǎn hěn dà.
This bowl is very big.
碗里有米饭。
Wǎn lǐ yǒu mǐfàn.
There is rice in the bowl.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of the character 碗: the left side 石 (shí) means 'stone,' hinting at traditional ceramic bowls made from materials like clay, and the right side 宛 (wǎn) suggests its rounded shape. Associate it with the sound 'wǎn,' similar to 'one,' as in one bowl of food.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as well as in spoken and written Chinese. It is most commonly used in everyday situations related to dining, cooking, or household chores, such as in restaurants, kitchens, or when discussing meals.

📖 Grammar Points

碗 is often used with measure words like 个 (gè) or 只 (zhī) when counting, e.g., 一个碗 (one bowl). It can also be part of phrases indicating quantity, such as 一碗汤 (a bowl of soup), where it functions as a measure word itself.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 碗 symbolizes sustenance and family life, as it is central to shared meals. Breaking a bowl is sometimes considered unlucky, and phrases like 饭碗 (rice bowl) metaphorically refer to one's livelihood or job.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 盘 (pán, plate), which is flatter and used for solid foods, 碗 is deeper and suited for liquids or loose items like rice. 杯 (bēi, cup) is typically for drinks and often has a handle, while 碗 does not.

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