HanziGuru.繃 · bēng
繃
bēng[beng1]Tone 1

to stretch taut

HSK 7
Multiple Readings (多音字):
Guru Deep Dive

English · to stretch taut

Cached lesson
1 / 1
Topology:Left-right
Strokes:15
Writing Balance Rule: The left side (thread radical) should be compact and narrower, leaving ample space for the complex right side (朋) to ensure structural equilibrium.
Simplification Logic: Simplified from 繃 by using the standard thread radical 纟 instead of 絲, and simplifying the right component 朋 as appropriate.

to draw tight, stretch taut

to tack with thread or pinembroidery hoop (bound form)woven bed mat (bound form)
VerbNeutral#action#craft#tension
Sample Usage
  • 把绳子绷紧点。
    bǎ shéngzi bēng jǐn diǎn.
    Pull the rope a bit tighter.
  • 他的脸绷得紧紧的。
    tā de liǎn bēng de jǐn jǐn de.
    His face was set in a stern, tense expression.
/[pəŋ⁵⁵]/Tone: 55
繃
bēngbeng1
++
¯(55)
=bēng
Build the syllable
Step-by-step blending
beng
Tone mark placement: Tone mark sits on "e" per main-vowel priority (a > e > o; in -iu/-ui the mark takes the second vowel).
Initial Consonant
b
Type: Unaspirated Bilabial
Sounds like: b sound like in English 'bed' but unaspirated
Unaspirated
Airflow Tactile Test: No burst of air. A tissue in front of lips should stay still.
Tongue & Mouth Position: Lips pressed tightly together and released gently without a burst of air.
Final Rhyme
eng
Vowel Group: -e vowel group
Sounds like: -eng rhymes with rung or eng in strength
Mouth Shape Guide: Pronounce as standalone vowel 'uhng'.
Common Learner Trap: Keep vowel quality steady across all 4 tone contours.
Tone
T1 (55)
1st Tone (High-Flat)
Tone Pitch & Cadence: Tone 1 stays flat and high, similar to singing a sustained high note in speech.
👂
Listening trap: Confusing the nasal ending [-ng] with [-n] or confusing the initial [b-] with [p-]. Remember that [b-] is unaspirated.
👋
Physical Tone Gesture: Tone 1 is a high level horizontal line, like holding a steady musical note at the top of your vocal range.

Topology: Left-right · Strokes: 15 strokes

Writing Balance Rule: The left side (thread radical) should be compact and narrower, leaving ample space for the complex right side (朋) to ensure structural equilibrium.

Simplification Logic: Simplified from 繃 by using the standard thread radical 纟 instead of 絲, and simplifying the right component 朋 as appropriate.

Radical 纟 · Silk / Thread Radical (silk threads, textiles, binding)

Semantic Clue (形旁): 纟 (indicates action related to threads, cords, or stretching fabric)

Phonetic Clue (声旁): 朋 (original sound: péng/bēng)

A thread (纟) tied to a companion or framework (朋) is pulled and stretched taut.

  • 纟 Thread / Silk radical
  • 朋 Phonetic and structural component meaning friend/pair
Liushu category: Phono-semantic (形声)

Origin: Combined from the silk/thread semantic radical (纟) indicating textile work and binding, and the phonetic component (朋) providing the sound bēng.

Semantic Evolution: Originally referring to stretching cloth or silk tight on a frame for embroidery, it expanded to mean pulling any rope, cord, or surface taut, as well as keeping a rigid facial expression.

  • Embroidery frames have ancient roots in Chinese craftsmanship, making the silk radical essential for tools of tension.
Vivid Mnemonic Story

You use threads (纟) to tie down your friend (朋) onto a wooden frame, pulling the ropes so taut (bēng) that they bounce like a trampoline!

Phonetic Family (形声字家族)
崩
bēngto collapsePhonetic Core (声旁)
蹦
bèngto jump; to bounce; to hop+ 足 (foot)
嘣
bēng(onom.) thump; boom+ 口 (mouth)
镚
bèngsmall coin; dime+ 钅 (metal)
Lookalikes & Traps (形近字)
崩(bēng)
Uses the mountain radical (山) instead of silk/thread (纟), meaning to collapse or burst apart rather than stretch taut.
Active Recall Challenge
請把這根繩子[___]緊。
Clue: bēng
Common Learner Pitfall

Confusing it with 崩 (bēng - to collapse/burst) because they share the same pinyin and tone, ignoring that 绷 deals with threads/tension while 崩 deals with mountains/explosions.

Memory Prompts
Recognition: What does 绷 mean when paired with the silk radical and the sound péng/bēng?
Production: How do you write the character for 'to draw tight / stretch taut' with 15 strokes?

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繃bēngto stretch taut
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