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March 24, 2026
痹(痺)bì(bi4)
The character 痹 (bì) refers to physical conditions such as paralysis or numbness, often associated with pain or discomfort in the body. It is commonly used in medical contexts to describe ailments affecting mobility or sensation. Understanding this term can be particularly useful for discussions about health and wellness in Mandarin.
Strokes13Radical疒Frequency#61891DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, conditions like 痹 (bì) are often treated with herbal remedies and acupuncture, reflecting a holistic approach to health. Understanding this term can provide insight into the cultural significance of bodily ailments and their treatments in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Think of 痹 (bì) as a 'bee' that stings, causing a part of your body to go numb or paralyzed. The character has the 'sickness' radical 疒 on the left, hinting at health-related issues, while the right side can remind you of the 'bee' buzzing around causing discomfort.
Meanings of 痹
bì(bi4)
1paralysis
2numbness
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 痹
痹Simplified
痺Traditional
13Strokes
疒Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#61891Frequency Rank
Podcast: 痹
Podcast: 痹
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AI Study Notes for 痹
Quick Contrast
痉 (jìng) — use 痹 (bì) for numbness or paralysis, while 痉 (jìng) refers specifically to spasms or convulsions.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 痹 (bì) as a 'bee' that stings, causing a part of your body to go numb or paralyzed. The character has the 'sickness' radical 疒 on the left, hinting at health-related issues, while the right side can remind you of the 'bee' buzzing around causing discomfort.
Usage Notes
When using 痹 (bì), it is important to note that it is often used in formal medical contexts rather than everyday conversation. Common collocations include 痹症 (bì zhèng, paralysis symptoms) or 风湿痹 (fēng shī bì, rheumatism), so be mindful of these phrases to avoid awkward usage. Also, be careful with the tone; using a rising tone by mistake could confuse the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 痹 (bì) is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other medical terms and body-related vocabulary that learners might encounter. Students should focus on recognizing it in health contexts and practice its pronunciation to avoid tone errors.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, conditions like 痹 (bì) are often treated with herbal remedies and acupuncture, reflecting a holistic approach to health. Understanding this term can provide insight into the cultural significance of bodily ailments and their treatments in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 痹 (bì) with similar-sounding characters, such as 必 (bì, meaning 'must'). For example, saying '我有必的感觉' instead of '我有痹的感觉' (I have a feeling of numbness) is incorrect; the right word is 痹 (bì).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 痹
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Grammar Patterns of 痹
痹 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他走路时一瘸一拐的，那是小儿麻____的后遗症。
He dragged a foot when he walked, a leftover from polio.
Example Sentences for 痹 (6)
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1
他走路时一瘸一拐的，那是小儿麻痹的后遗症。
tā zǒu lù shí yī qué yī guǎi de， ， nà shì xiǎo ér má bì de hòu yí。
He dragged a foot when he walked, a leftover from polio.
2
他幼年患过小儿麻痹症，结果腿就瘸了。
tā yòu nián huàn guò xiǎo ér má bì zhèng， ， jié guǒ tuǐ jiù qué。
He was crippled by polio as a child.
3
现在的他四肢麻痹，只能呆在轮椅上。
xiàn zài de tā sì zhī má bì， ， zhī néng dāi zài lún yǐ。
He is now quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair.
4
他的怒火渐渐平息了, 那种茫茫然的麻痹的感觉又兜上了心头.
tā de nù huǒ jiàn jiàn píng xī le, , nà zhǒng máng máng rán de má bì de gǎn jué yòu dōu shàng le xīn.
His anger lapsed, and the numbness of bewilderment returned.
5
格拉迪丝3岁时因小儿麻痹症腿瘸了。
gé lā dí sī3 3 suì shí yīn xiǎo ér má bì zhèng tuǐ qué。
Gladys was crippled by polio at the age of
6
她因患小儿麻痹症而瘸了.
tā yīn huàn xiǎo ér má bì zhèng ér qué le.
She's lame from polio.
Cultural Notes for 痹
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, conditions like 痹 (bì) are often treated with herbal remedies and acupuncture, reflecting a holistic approach to health. Understanding this term can provide insight into the cultural significance of bodily ailments and their treatments in Chinese society.
Word Family of 痹
Words Containing This Character5
麻痹mábìparalysis麻痺
痹bìparalysis痺
小儿麻痹症poliomyelitis小兒麻痺症
麻痹大意unwary麻痺大意
小儿麻痹polio (poliomyelitis)小兒麻痺
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 麻痹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 痹
It refers to conditions like paralysis and numbness, often indicating a loss of sensation or mobility.
It is more commonly used in medical contexts rather than in casual conversations.
It is pronounced with a falling tone, which is crucial for conveying the correct meaning.
