般 (bān)

In Chinese, "般" is a suffix that means "like" or "similar to". It is used to indicate similarity or comparison with something else. Below are detailed usages of "般".

1. Expressing Similarity

"般" is used to indicate similarity between two things or situations. It implies that something is like or resembles another thing or situation. For example:

• 他们的友谊坚固而持久，像一对般的兄弟。 (Tāmen de yǒuyì jiāngù ér chíjiǔ, xiàng yīduì bān de xiōngdì.) — Their friendship is strong and enduring, like that of brothers. (lit. Their friendship is strong and enduring, like a pair of brothers.)
• 她的表演感人至深，堪比大师般的水平。 (Tā de biǎoyǎn gǎnrén zhìshēn, kānbǐ dàshī bān de shuǐpíng.) — Her performance is deeply moving, comparable to that of a master. (lit. Her performance is deeply moving, comparable to the level of a master.)

2. Indicating Comparison

"般" can also be used to indicate comparison with a certain standard or benchmark. It suggests that something is of a similar level or quality. For example:

• 这种情况和我们之前遇到的案例十分相般配。 (Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng hé wǒmen zhīqián yùdào de ànlì shífēn xiāngbānpèi.) — This situation is very similar to the cases we encountered before. (lit. This situation is very compatible with the cases we encountered before.)
• 他的演讲水平已经达到了国际大师般的水准。 (Tā de yǎnjiǎng shuǐpíng yǐjīng dádàole guójì dàshī bān de shuǐzhǔn.) — His speaking level has reached the standard of an international master. (lit. His speaking level has reached the level of an international master.)