明白

• Pinyin: míng bai
• Hanzi breakdown: 明 = 日 (sun) + 月 (moon), meaning bright; 白 = pictograph meaning white or clear

Meaning

To understand; clear; obvious. Used both as a verb meaning 'to understand' and an adjective meaning 'clear.'

A very versatile word used in daily life. As a verb, it means to comprehend or grasp. As an adjective, it describes something clear and easy to understand. Commonly used in questions to check comprehension.

Examples

1. 你明白了吗？ Do you understand?
2. 我明白你的意思。 I understand what you mean.
3. 老师说得很明白。 The teacher explained it very clearly.

Usage Guide

Context: learning, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我明白了，谢谢你。(I understand now, thank you.)
• 这件事我不太明白。(I don't quite understand this matter.)

Don't Say

• 我明白了这个字。(Unnatural with 了 + object — say 我看明白了这个字 or 这个字我明白了)

Origin & History

A compound of 明 (bright, from 日 sun + 月 moon) and 白 (white/clear). Together they suggest 'bright and clear' — easy to see and understand.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal