杯

• Pinyin: bēi
• Hanzi breakdown: 杯 = 木 (wood) + 不 (phonetic) — originally a wooden drinking vessel

Meaning

Cup; glass. A measure word used for drinks or beverages served in a cup or glass.

Primarily used as a measure word for beverages: 一杯水 (a glass of water), 一杯茶 (a cup of tea), 一杯咖啡 (a cup of coffee). Can also refer to the vessel itself, though 杯子 is more common for the physical object.

Examples

1. 我想喝一杯水。 I'd like a glass of water.
2. 他每天喝三杯茶。 He drinks three cups of tea every day.
3. 请给我一杯咖啡。 Please give me a cup of coffee.

Usage Guide

Context: food, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 再来一杯。(Another cup, please.)
• 你要几杯？(How many cups do you want?)

Don't Say

• 一杯饭 (Don't use 杯 for rice or solid food — use 碗 for bowls of food)

Origin & History

Composed of 木 (wood) and 不 (phonetic component). Originally referred to a wooden drinking vessel. Over time, the material became irrelevant and 杯 now refers to any cup or glass.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal