measure word / noun HSK 2
piàn
slice · piece · flat thin piece · classifier for slices, tracts of land, etc.

Meaning

refers to something flat and thin, like a slice or段. As a measure word, it's used for thin, flat objects or large expanses (like land or water). As a noun, it means a slice, piece, or film/movie.

Usage

Commonly used as a measure word before nouns like bread (面包), land (土地), or feelings (心意). Also appears in compounds like 照 (photo) and 电影 (film). When describing areas or atmospheres, natives often use 一 to convey a sense of expanse.

Examples

  1. 01
    请给我一面包。
    Qǐng gěi piàn miàn bāo.
    Please give me a slice of bread.
  2. 02
    这里有一森林。
    Zhè yǒu piàn sēn lín.
    There is a forest here.

Common collocations

  • 面包
    piàn miàn bāo
    a slice of bread
  • zhào piàn
    photograph
  • 土地
    piàn
    a tract of land
  • 好心
    piàn hǎo xīn
    good intentions

Origin

The character depicts half of a piece of wood split vertically, representing something flat and thin.

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