版

• Pinyin: bǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 版 = 片 (slice/piece) + 反 (phonetic)

Meaning

Edition; version; page (in newspapers). A measure word for editions of books or software versions.

Used for book editions (第三版 third edition), newspaper pages (头版 front page), software versions (新版 new version), and territorial editions (港版 Hong Kong edition). Also appears in 版权 (copyright).

Examples

1. 这本字典的最新版增加了很多网络流行语。 The latest edition of this dictionary has added many internet slang terms.
2. 请确认你下载的是软件的正版，不是盗版。 Please make sure you downloaded the genuine version of the software, not a pirated copy.
3. 这个消息今天登上了各大报纸的头版。 This news made the front page of all the major newspapers today.

Usage Guide

Context: publishing, technology, media

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这是第几版的教材？(Which edition of the textbook is this?)
• 新版软件修复了很多问题。(The new version of the software fixed many issues.)

Don't Say

• 说'书的版'来表示'书的版本'——应该说完整的'版本' (Don't use just 版 when you mean 版本 for 'version' — use the full word 版本)

Origin & History

Originally referred to wooden printing blocks. 片 (slice) provides the semantic root suggesting flat surfaces used in printing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal