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March 24, 2026
卑bēi(bei1)
The character 卑 (bēi) means low or inferior, often used to describe something that is base, humble, or despised. It can refer to social status, moral character, or physical position, and is commonly used in contexts discussing humility or derogatory descriptions.
Strokes8Radical十Frequency#12825DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, humility is often valued, and using 卑 to describe oneself can reflect a traditional virtue. Phrases incorporating 卑 can be found in classical literature and philosophy, emphasizing moral self-awareness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, low hill (卑) that people look down upon. The character's base (卑) has a 'person' (人) under a roof (非), suggesting a humble dwelling, reinforcing the idea of being lowly or inferior.
Meanings of 卑
bēi(bei1)
1low
2base
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 卑 means.
About 卑
卑Simplified
8Strokes
十Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#12825Frequency Rank
Podcast: 卑
Podcast: 卑
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AI Study Notes for 卑
Quick Contrast
卑 (bēi) vs 低 (dī) — use 卑 for moral or social inferiority, while 低 focuses on physical height or level.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 卑 with similar-sounding words like 悲 (bēi, sad). It's also important to note that while 卑 can imply humility, it can carry a negative connotation when referring to someone's character. Common collocations include 卑鄙 (bēibǐ, despicable) and 卑微 (bēiwēi, humble).
HSK Study Tips
Though 卑 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects with HSK vocabulary related to character traits and social status. Focus on using it in phrases to describe humility or negative traits, which helps reinforce its meaning.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 卑 with other similar characters like 备 (bèi, prepare) due to similar pronunciation. Ensure you remember that 卑 relates to lowliness and humility, not preparation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 卑
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How Well Do You Know 卑?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 卑 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 卑 (bēi) means low or inferior, often used to describe something that is base, humble, or despised. It can refer to social status, moral character, or physical position, and is commonly used in contexts discussing humility or derogatory descriptions.
When to use 卑
Learners often confuse 卑 with similar-sounding words like 悲 (bēi, sad). It's also important to note that while 卑 can imply humility, it can carry a negative connotation when referring to someone's character. Common collocations include 卑鄙 (bēibǐ, despicable) and 卑微 (bēiwēi, humble).
卑 or something close to it
卑 (bēi) vs 低 (dī) — use 卑 for moral or social inferiority, while 低 focuses on physical height or level.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 卑 with other similar characters like 备 (bèi, prepare) due to similar pronunciation. Ensure you remember that 卑 relates to lowliness and humility, not preparation.
Write 卑
卑
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Practice writing 卑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 卑
卑 carries 6 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这一罪行如此____鄙无耻，大家都不想声张出去。
The crime was so base that everyone wanted to hush it up.
