bǎi
numeralBeginner
formal

One hundred

一百个人

One hundred people

一百元

One hundred yuan

💡

Used to represent the number 100 in Chinese.

informal

Many, numerous (used to express a large but unspecified quantity)

我读了百本书

I read hundreds of books.

这里有百种方法

There are hundreds of ways.

💡

In this sense, '百' is often used with a classifier to indicate a large but indefinite number.

Collocations

百年hundred years百花hundred flowers百姓common people

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

百花齐放idiom
a hundred flowers bloom together (figurative for diversity and freedom of expression)
百折不挠idiom
unyielding despite a hundred setbacks (figurative for perseverance)

💡Pro Tip

Usage of '百'

'百' is often used with classifiers like '本' (books), '个' (items), or '人' (people) to specify quantities.

Gold Rule

Numerical vs. Figurative Use

When '百' is used to mean 'one hundred,' it is precise. When used to mean 'many,' it is approximate.

📖Word Origin

The character '百' is derived from the ancient Chinese counting system, where it represented a bundle of 100 strands of thread.

📝Usage Notes

'百' is commonly used in counting, measurements, and expressions of quantity. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate a large number.

Word Breakdown

white
root
+
hundred
root
汉英词典