Meanings of 婢
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About 婢
Podcast: 婢
Podcast: 婢
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AI Study Notes for 婢
女佣 (nǚyōng) - use 婢 (bì) for a more formal or historical context compared to the more modern and casual 女佣 (nǚyōng) for a female domestic worker.
This term is quite formal and is seldom used in modern conversational Mandarin. Be cautious as some may confuse it with similar terms for 'servant' or 'employee'. Collocations include phrases like '女婢' (nǚbì), meaning 'female servant'.
Since 婢 (bì) is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be beneficial for learners at HSK Level 5 and above who are exploring historical literature or formal contexts. Focus on recognizing its usage in classical texts and understanding its implications.
Learners might confuse 婢 (bì) with other terms for 'servant' like 仆 (pú). For example, saying '我有一个仆' (wǒ yǒu yī gè pú) instead of '我有一个婢' (wǒ yǒu yī gè bì) when referring specifically to a female servant is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 婢
Drill the tone of 婢 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 婢
A humble 卑 woman 女; 卑 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 婢
- 1The giveawayA humble 卑 woman 女; 卑 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 婢? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 婢?
Decomposition of 婢
Identify the Components
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How to say servant girl; maidservant in Chinese
“servant girl; maidservant” in Chinese is婢
The character 婢 (bì) refers to a female servant or maidservant, often implying a subordinate role in a household. It can also carry historical connotations related to slavery, particularly in ancient contexts. This term is generally used in more formal or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
When to use 婢
This term is quite formal and is seldom used in modern conversational Mandarin. Be cautious as some may confuse it with similar terms for 'servant' or 'employee'. Collocations include phrases like '女婢' (nǚbì), meaning 'female servant'.
婢 or something close to it
女佣 (nǚyōng) - use 婢 (bì) for a more formal or historical context compared to the more modern and casual 女佣 (nǚyōng) for a female domestic worker.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 婢 (bì) with other terms for 'servant' like 仆 (pú). For example, saying '我有一个仆' (wǒ yǒu yī gè pú) instead of '我有一个婢' (wǒ yǒu yī gè bì) when referring specifically to a female servant is incorrect.
Write 婢
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Practice writing 婢 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 婢
婢 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
辣黑耳的____女彼耳哈的儿子: 丹和纳斐塔里.
The sons of Bilhah ( Rachel's handmaid ) : Dan and Naphtali.
Example Sentences for 婢 (1)
Word Family of 婢
Compound Meaning
What does 奴婢 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 婢
No, 婢 is considered quite formal and is rarely used in contemporary speech.
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