What does 把 mean in Chinese?

把 (bǎ) means "to hold; to contain; to grasp; to take hold of; handle; particle marking the following noun as a direct object; classifier for objects with handle; classifier for small objects: handful" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 3.

How do you pronounce 把?

把 is pronounced "bǎ" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 3.

What HSK level is 把?

把 is an HSK 3 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 3 on both the old and the new exam.

What words contain the character 把?

Common words with 把 include 并把 (to include), 个把 (one or two), 倒把 (to play the market), 刹把 (brake lever), 吸把 (toilet plunger).

How do you write 把?

You can practice writing 把 using our stroke order tool.

把 (bǎ), to hold

把

bǎ

to hold; to contain; to grasp; to take hold of

HSK 3verbclassifier

Character Breakdown

Radical: 手 (no. 64)

View stroke order →

Definitions

(verb, classifier) to hold
to contain
to grasp
to take hold of
handle
particle marking the following noun as a direct object
classifier for objects with handle
classifier for small objects: handful

Example Sentences

把书给我。

Bǎ shū gěi wǒ

Give me the book

Words Containing 把

Word	Pinyin	Meaning
并把	bìng bǎ	to include
个把	gè bǎ	one or two
倒把	dǎo bǎ	to play the market
刹把	shā bǎ	brake lever
吸把	xī bǎ	toilet plunger

Related Words

应付自如(yìng fu zì rú)· to handle matters with ease (idiom)

→

拉手(lā shǒu)· to hold hands

→

Grammar Notes

把 ConstructionHSK 3

Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + Complement/Result

Passive with 被HSK 3

Receiver + 被 + (Doer) + Verb + Complement/了

Compound Directional ComplementsHSK 3

Verb + Direction (上/下/进/出/回/过/起) + 来/去

Advanced Measure Words (条, 张, 把, 双)HSK 3

Number + Measure Word + Noun

First...Then (先...再/然后)HSK 3

先 + Verb₁，再/然后 + Verb₂

Appears in these articles

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 3
HSK 2.0: HSK 3
HSK Lord study list: HSK 3 list

把: HSK 3 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 3 exam

Studying for HSK 3? Keep 把 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 3 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.