How to Write 邠 (bīn) — Meaning “Bin (an ancient place name).”

Picture a hill (阝) that is split into two parts (分), representing the ancient region of Bin. This visual of a divided hill helps you recall that 邠 is a place name from old China. The split also reminds you of the character's pronunciation "bīn" which sounds like "bin" as in a container.

Write the left radical 阝 first, with a slightly curved vertical stroke and a hook at the bottom. Then add the right component 分, making sure the top part (八-like) is balanced and the bottom 刀 (knife) is narrow. A common mistake is making the right side too wide, which throws off the overall proportion.

邠 has the right component 分 (divide), while 邓 has 又 (hand) and 邗 has 干 (stem). Visually, 邠 has more strokes on the right side. In meaning, 邠 is a specific ancient place name, whereas 邓 is a common surname and 邗 refers to a different ancient place (Han).

邠 is rarely used in daily life, appearing mostly in historical or literary contexts. You may see it in names like 邠州 (Bin Prefecture) or 邠县 (Bin County), and especially in the title 邠风 (Odes of Bin) from the Classic of Poetry. It is mainly useful when studying ancient Chinese history or classical literature.

Common words containing 邠 include: 邠州 (bīn zhōu) — Bin Prefecture.; 邠县 (bīn xiàn) — Bin County.; 邠风 (bīn fēng) — Odes of Bin (from the Classic of Poetry)..