白
bái/paɪ̯³⁵/
The phrase "bai" in Chinese refers to the color white, specifically using the character 白 (bái).
The character 白 functions as both a noun to represent the color white and an adjective to describe something as being white.
Which one should you use?
While 白 (bái) refers to the color white, the character 拜 (bài) is a distinct term used in the context of greetings or expressing respect.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is bái. The IPA is /paɪ̯³⁵/.
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese culture, 白 is the color of mourning and is worn at funerals, whereas in Western cultures, this role belongs to black.
- The word 白 can be used as a verb meaning 'to do something in vain' or 'for nothing', such as saying you studied 'white' if you failed the test.
- The character 白 may have originated as a pictogram of an acorn or even a human head.
Examples in context
- 白崇禧Bai ChongxiThis example shows the use of 白 in the name Bai Chongxi.
- 他们付给我一百块钱。They gave me one hundred yuan.
- 祝您新年快乐，恭喜发财，拜个早年！Happy New Year and wishing you prosperity. Greetings in advance!
- 明天见！拜拜！See you tomorrow! Bye bye!
- 我喜欢白色的衣服。Wǒ xǐhuān báisè de yīfu.I like white clothes.
- 天上有白色的云。Tiānshàng yǒu báisè de yún.There are white clouds in the sky.
Example conversation
Jiayi and Junjie are choosing a curtain for the living room.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你觉得这块布是什么颜色的？Nǐ juéde zhè kuài bù shì shénme yánsè de?What color do you think this cloth is?
- 俊杰 Junjie它是白的。Tā shì bái de.It is white.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那我们买白色的吧。Nà wǒmen mǎi báisè de ba.Then let's buy the white one.
- 俊杰 Junjie好的，听你的。Hǎo de, tīng nǐ de.Okay, we'll do it your way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 白, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 白, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
