部

• Pinyin: bù
• Hanzi breakdown: 部 = 咅 (phonetic component) + 阝(city radical), originally meaning a territorial division

Meaning

Part; section; department. Used to refer to a portion of something, or as a measure word for films, books, and machines.

Functions as both a noun meaning 'part/section' and a measure word for books (一部小说), films (一部电影), and vehicles (一部车). Also used in organisational contexts like 部门 (department) and 部分 (portion).

Examples

1. 这部电影是今年最受欢迎的。 This film is the most popular one this year.
2. 我们只完成了全部工作的一小部分。 We have only completed a small part of the entire work.
3. 他去年写了一部很有意思的小说。 He wrote a very interesting novel last year.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work, entertainment

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这部电影你看过吗？(Have you seen this film?)
• 大部分学生都通过了考试。(Most students passed the exam.)

Don't Say

• 一部人 (Don't use 部 as a measure word for people — use 部分 for 'some' people: 一部分人)

Origin & History

Composed of 咅 (a phonetic component) and 阝(邑, city/division), originally referring to a division or section of a territory.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal