平

• Pinyin: píng
• Hanzi breakdown: 平 = from a pictograph of a balanced scale, representing evenness and flatness

Meaning

Flat; level; even; calm. Describes a surface without bumps or a state without agitation.

A fundamental adjective meaning flat or level, used in many compounds: 平时 (usually), 平安 (safe), 平等 (equal), 水平 (level/standard), 平静 (calm). Can describe physical surfaces or abstract states like emotions and situations.

Examples

1. 这条路很平，很好走。 This road is very flat and easy to walk on.
2. 把纸放平再写字。 Lay the paper flat before writing.
3. 这里的地面不太平。 The ground here is not very level.

Usage Guide

Context: describing surfaces, everyday, abstract states

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 桌子不平，杯子会倒。(The table is not level — the cup will fall over.)
• 把这块布铺平。(Lay this cloth flat.)

Don't Say

• 平不能用来形容味道 (Don't use 平 to describe flavours — 平 refers to physical flatness or abstract evenness; use 淡 for bland taste)

Origin & History

Originally a pictograph showing a balanced scale or a flat surface. The horizontal line represents levelness and balance.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal