Understanding "笔记本" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 笔记本
• Pinyin: bǐ jì běn
• Literal Meaning: "pen + record + book"
• Primary Meaning: "notebook" (a book for writing notes) or "laptop computer" (colloquial usage in modern Chinese)

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

• Notebook (for writing): The most traditional meaning refers to a physical book with blank or lined pages for taking notes.
  Example: Students use 笔记本 to write down lessons.
• Laptop computer: In modern slang, 笔记本 is often short for 笔记本电脑 (bǐ jì běn diàn nǎo), meaning "laptop."
  Example: "I bought a new 笔记本" usually means a laptop in casual conversation.

Character Breakdown

• 笔 (bǐ): "pen" or "writing tool."
• 记 (jì): "to record" or "to note down."
• 本 (běn): "book" or "volume."
  Together, they literally mean "a book for recording with a pen."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我的笔记本写满了课堂笔记。
   Pinyin: Wǒ de bǐjìběn xiě mǎn le kètáng bǐjì.
   English: My notebook is filled with class notes.

2. Chinese: 我需要买一个新的笔记本电脑。
   Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào mǎi yīgè xīn de bǐjìběn diànnǎo.
   English: I need to buy a new laptop.

3. Chinese: 请把你的笔记本借给我看一下。
   Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ nǐ de bǐjìběn jiè gěi wǒ kàn yīxià.
   English: Please lend me your notebook to take a look.

Cultural Notes

• In China, 笔记本 is widely used in both academic and professional settings.
• The dual meaning (notebook/laptop) reflects how language evolves with technology. Younger generations often default to "laptop" when saying 笔记本 casually.

Conclusion

笔记本 (bǐ jì běn) primarily means "notebook" but can also refer to a "laptop." Remember the characters: 笔 (pen), 记 (record), and 本 (book). Pay attention to context to determine whether it’s a physical notebook or a computer!