bēi: 杯 - Cup, Glass, Trophy

Keywords: 杯, bēi, Chinese for cup, Chinese measure word for drinks, bēizi, 量词 (liàngcí), gānbēi, cheers in Chinese, Chinese drinking culture, trophy in Chinese, learn Chinese characters.

Summary: Discover the Chinese character 杯 (bēi), the essential word for “cup” or “glass.” This guide explains its use not only as a noun but also as a crucial measure word (量词, liàngcí) for drinks like “a cup of tea” (一杯茶). We'll explore its role in compound words like “trophy” (奖杯) and its deep significance in Chinese toasting culture with the term “干杯” (gānbēi), helping you navigate social situations and understand daily conversations in Mandarin Chinese.

Pinyin (with tone marks): bēi

Part of Speech: Noun, Measure Word

HSK Level: HSK 1

Concise Definition: A cup, glass, or other drinking vessel; a measure word for cupfuls.

In a Nutshell: 杯 (bēi) is the fundamental concept of a “cup” in Chinese. While you'll often see it as part of the word for a physical cup, 杯子 (bēizi), its most important function for a learner is as a measure word. Just as you say “a cup of coffee” in English, you use 杯 in Chinese to count drinks: 一杯咖啡 (yì bēi kāfēi). It's a simple but indispensable word for everyday life.

杯 is a phono-semantic compound character, meaning it combines a component for meaning with one for sound.

Radical (Meaning): The left side is 木 (mù), which means “wood” or “tree.” This points to the origin of early drinking vessels, which were often carved from wood.

Phonetic (Sound): The right side is 不 (bù), which means “no” or “not.” In this character, its primary function is to provide the pronunciation, as “bù” sounds somewhat similar to “bēi.”

Combined Meaning: Together, they form a character that means “a vessel (originally) made of wood (木) that has the sound 'bēi'.”

Toasting Culture and 干杯 (gānbēi): The most significant cultural aspect of 杯 is its role in toasting. The term 干杯 (gānbēi) literally means “dry the cup.” Unlike the casual English “cheers,” a call to 干杯 is often a serious invitation to finish your entire drink in one go, especially in business dinners or formal banquets. When toasting with a superior or elder, it is customary to hold your glass slightly lower than theirs to show respect. This simple gesture with a 杯 is a key part of social etiquette.

Contrast with Western “Cheers”: While “cheers” can be a lighthearted clinking of glasses before taking a small sip, 干杯 carries the weight of camaraderie, respect, and sometimes, social pressure. Understanding this difference is crucial for anyone dining with Chinese friends or colleagues. Not finishing your drink after a heartfelt “gānbēi” could be seen as impolite in certain contexts.

Symbol of Achievement: Just like in English, a cup can symbolize victory. A 奖杯 (jiǎngbēi) is a “trophy” or “award cup.” The most famous example is the 世界杯 (Shìjièbēi), the FIFA World Cup, a term recognized by hundreds of millions of Chinese sports fans.

Forgetting the Measure Word: English speakers might be tempted to say “I want coffee” (我要咖啡). While understandable, it's far more natural in Chinese to specify the quantity with a measure word: “我要一杯咖啡” (Wǒ yào yì bēi kāfēi). Forgetting the measure word is a common beginner mistake.

Misunderstanding 干杯 (gānbēi): As mentioned in the cultural section, do not treat “干杯” as a light “cheers.” If someone of authority or a host toasts you with a serious “干杯,” be prepared to finish your drink. If you can't, you can politely explain or say “我随意，您干了” (Wǒ suíyì, nín gānle), which means “I'll drink as much as I can, you can finish yours.”

杯子 (bēizi) - The most common noun for “cup” or “glass.”

干杯 (gānbēi) - The verb “to toast” or “cheers,” literally “dry cup.”

量词 (liàngcí) - The grammatical term for “measure word” or “classifier.” 杯 is a perfect example.

碗 (wǎn) - Bowl. Another common container, often used as a measure word for food like rice or soup (e.g., 一碗饭 - a bowl of rice).

瓶 (píng) - Bottle. A different measure word for liquids that come in bottles (e.g., 一瓶水 - a bottle of water).

茶 (chá) - Tea. A drink frequently measured with 杯.

酒 (jiǔ) - Alcohol. The drink most associated with toasting culture and 酒杯 (wine/liquor cups).

奖杯 (jiǎngbēi) - Trophy, award cup.

世界杯 (Shìjièbēi) - The World Cup.

碰杯 (pèngbēi) - To clink glasses. A physical action done during a toast.