Definition
部 (bù) is used as a classifier for films, books, and machines (not for long thin objects—use 支), and as a noun meaning a major department or ministry (e.g. 教育部). As a noun, 部 refers to a larger unit than 部门 (department) or 科 (section); it's also distinct from 室 (office, room) and 省 (province).
classifier
for filmsbooksmachinesetc.
noun
departmentministrysection
Easily confused
- 陪péilook-aliketo accompany, to keep (someone) company
- 不bùsound-alikeno, not (negates verbs and adjectives)
- 倍bèilook-alike(classifier) times, -fold (indicates multiplier after a number)
- 步bùsound-alike(noun) step (in walking), pace
- 赔péilook-aliketo compensate, to pay for damage or loss
- 布bùsound-alikecloth; fabric
- 补bǔsound-aliketo repair, to mend (clothes, objects)
- 捕bǔsound-aliketo catch, to capture
Examples
- 部。Wǒ kàn le yí bù hěn hǎo de diànyǐng.I watched a very good movie.
- 部。Tā mǎi le yí bù xīn shǒujī.He bought a new cell phone.
- 部。Tā zài jiàoyù bù gōngzuò.She works in the education department.
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