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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'flat' with 扁 (biǎn)

    Comparison
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    扁 + Noun

    Explanation

    The adjective 扁 (biǎn) means 'flat' or 'thin and flat,' describing something that has been compressed or is naturally low in height relative to its width. It is often used to describe objects like flat bread, deflated balls, or pressed items. In tongue twisters, it frequently appears alongside other shape-related words.

    Examples

    • 这个球没气了，变得扁扁的，没法踢了。

      zhège qiú méi qì le, biàn de biǎnbiǎn de, méi fǎ tī le.

      This ball has lost its air; it's gone flat and can't be kicked anymore.

    • 她买了一个扁扁的包，刚好能放进抽屉里。

      tā mǎi le yí gè biǎnbiǎn de bāo, gānghǎo néng fàng jìn chōutì lǐ.

      She bought a flat bag that fits perfectly in a drawer.

    • 这块饼被压扁了，不过味道还是很好。

      zhè kuài bǐng bèi yā biǎn le, búguò wèidào háishì hěn hǎo.

      This flatbread got squished flat, but it still tastes great.

    Expressing 'flat' with 扁 (biǎn) | Chinese Grammar