编号

• Pinyin: biān hào
• Hanzi breakdown: 编 = 纟 (silk/thread) + 扁 (flat); 号 = 口 (mouth) + 丂 (phonetic)

Meaning

Serial number; to number; reference code.

As a noun, refers to any assigned number used for identification. As a verb, means to assign numbers to items. Used in administrative, academic, and organizational contexts for tracking and organization.

Examples

1. 每件展品都有一个唯一的编号，方便查询和管理。 Each exhibit has a unique serial number for easy lookup and management.
2. 请把这些文件按日期编号，然后归档。 Please number these files by date and then archive them.
3. 你的座位编号是A23，在右边靠窗的位置。 Your seat number is A23, on the right side by the window.

Usage Guide

Context: administration, organization, inventory

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 这个产品的编号是多少？(What's the serial number of this product?)
• 请给每个箱子编号。(Please number each box.)

Don't Say

• 把电话号码叫编号 (Don't call a phone number 编号 — use 电话号码; 编号 is for serial/reference numbers)

Origin & History

编 (compile/arrange) + 号 (number). To arrange with numbers.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal