ball

JLPT N5 3 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character primarily refers to a spherical object or a small ball. It is commonly used in medical contexts as a measure word for pills or tablets, especially traditional Chinese medicine pills (). In everyday language, it can describe any small round object, such as balls used in games or food items like fish balls.

Common Collocations

  • (sān wán yào): three pills, used when specifying the number of pills prescribed.
  • (yú wán): fish balls, a popular food item.
  • (cǎisè wánzi): colorful balls, often referring to toys or decorative items.

Usage Notes

When is used as a measure word for medicine, it always follows a number and precedes the noun (medicine). It is less common to use alone to mean 'ball' without a suffix like (zi). In food contexts, often appears as a suffix indicating a ball-shaped food item.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse with (wán), which means 'complete' or 'finished' despite the identical pronunciation. Their meanings and usage are distinct, and is specifically related to shape or pills.

Example Sentences

The doctor prescribed me three pills, each weighing five grams.

The children are playing with colorful balls in the park.

This dish contains many fish balls and is very delicious.