Why is 般 everywhere and how do you even say it

okay so i was at the 鉄道 station trying to buy a ticket and i saw 般 on the screen and i lost my mind thought it was 船 at first but no its 般 which means general?? but wait if you say it out loud you gotta pop the 'p' like ip-pan but soft like a pillow. i tried to tell this guy next to me but i think i just spit on him lol. anyway just think of a boat with a wig on it!