…般 …bān

…般（…bān）means “Literary simile suffix: 'like…', 'as… as' — X般”. 般 attaches to a noun or adjective to form a written, elegant simile meaning 'like X' — equivalent to 一样/似的 but bookish. Formation: 名词/形容词 + 般 + (的) + 名词（书面比喻）

Literary simile suffix: 'like…', 'as… as' — X般

HSK6

Formation

名词/形容词 + 般 + (的) + 名词（书面比喻）

Explanation

般 attaches to a noun or adjective to form a written, elegant simile meaning 'like X' — equivalent to 一样/似的 but bookish. Used adverbially it modifies a verb (潮水般涌来 'surge in like a tide') or with 的 it modifies a noun (雪一般的皮肤 'snow-white skin'). Common in literature, lyrics and formal writing; rare in casual speech.

Examples

人群 潮水般 涌向广场。
rénqún cháoshuǐ bān yǒng xiàng guǎngchǎng.
The crowd surged toward the square like a tide.
她有着 雪一般白 的皮肤。
tā yǒuzhe xuě yìbān bái de pífū.
She has skin as white as snow.

Note

Often written 一般 (雪一般白) or just 般 (雪般白); both mean the same. More formal than 似的/一样.

FAQ

…般 — what does it mean and how is it used?

Literary simile suffix: 'like…', 'as… as' — X般. 般 attaches to a noun or adjective to form a written, elegant simile meaning 'like X' — equivalent to 一样/似的 but bookish. Used adverbially it modifies a verb (潮水般涌来 'surge in like a tide') or with 的 it modifies a noun (雪一般的皮肤 'snow-white skin'). Common in literature, lyrics and formal writing; rare in casual speech.

…般 — how do you form it?

名词/形容词 + 般 + (的) + 名词（书面比喻）

…般 — any usage notes?

Often written 一般 (雪一般白) or just 般 (雪般白); both mean the same. More formal than 似的/一样.

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