盆

• Pinyin: pén
• Hanzi breakdown: 盆 = 分 (divide) + 皿 (dish/vessel), a wide open container

Meaning

Basin; pot; tub. A wide, shallow container for various uses.

Used for washing (脸盆 washbasin), plants (花盆 flowerpot), cooking (盆菜 pot dish), and geography (盆地 basin/valley). A fundamental household item. Measure word for pot contents: 一盆花 (a pot of flowers), 一盆水 (a basin of water).

Examples

1. 我给阳台上的花盆浇了水。 I watered the flower pots on the balcony.
2. 把衣服放在盆里泡一会儿。 Put the clothes in the basin and soak them for a while.
3. 四川盆地气候温暖湿润。 The Sichuan Basin has a warm and humid climate.

Usage Guide

Context: household, gardening, geography

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 帮我端一盆水来。(Bring me a basin of water.)
• 这盆花养得真好。(This potted plant is growing really well.)

Don't Say

• 我买了一盆杯子。(盆 is for basins/pots, not cups — use 一个杯子)

Origin & History

Pictographic character depicting a container with a wide opening.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal