并

• Pinyin: bìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 并 = simplified form; original character depicted two people standing side by side

Meaning

And; moreover; actually (not). An adverb or conjunction used to connect actions or to emphasise negation.

Has two main uses: (1) as a conjunction connecting two parallel actions or clauses, similar to 而且; (2) as an adverb before a negative word (并不, 并没有) to emphasise that something is not the case, often correcting a misunderstanding.

Examples

1. 这件事并不像你想的那么简单。 This matter is actually not as simple as you think.
2. 他收到了消息并立刻回复了。 He received the message and replied immediately.
3. 我并没有忘记你说的话。 I actually haven't forgotten what you said.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, formal speech, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 事情并不是这样的。(That's actually not how things are.)
• 他查了资料并写了一篇报告。(He looked up the information and wrote a report.)

Don't Say

• 我并喜欢这个 (Don't use 并 before a positive verb without negation for emphasis — 并 for emphasis requires a following 不/没有. Say 我并不喜欢这个)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'side by side' or 'simultaneously,' from the image of two people standing together. Extended to mean 'and' or emphatic 'actually.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal