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March 24, 2026
陛bì(bi4)
The character 陛 (bì) refers to a throne or the steps leading to a throne, often used in formal contexts to denote the authority or majesty of a ruler. It is commonly seen in historical literature or discussions about imperial power, emphasizing the high status and respect associated with royalty.
Strokes9Radical阝Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of the throne is deeply tied to the Mandate of Heaven, which legitimizes a ruler’s authority. The character 陛 reflects this cultural significance, as thrones symbolize power and governance in Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a royal king sitting on a grand throne (陛) at the top of steps, symbolizing his elevated status. The roof (阝) represents the palace, while the lower part symbolizes the steps leading up to it, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation (bì).
Meanings of 陛
bì(bi4)
1throne; steps leading to the throne
2the steps to the throne
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 陛
陛Simplified
9Strokes
阝Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 陛
Podcast: 陛
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AI Study Notes for 陛
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a royal king sitting on a grand throne (陛) at the top of steps, symbolizing his elevated status. The roof (阝) represents the palace, while the lower part symbolizes the steps leading up to it, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation (bì).
Usage Notes
陛 is typically used in formal or literary contexts, so it may not be appropriate in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to royalty or formal address, such as '陛下' (Your Majesty). Be careful with the tone; it’s pronounced with a fourth tone, which can be confused with other characters if mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
Although 陛 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it may appear in advanced reading materials. Students should focus on understanding its historical significance and recognition in classical texts to enhance their reading skills at higher levels.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of the throne is deeply tied to the Mandate of Heaven, which legitimizes a ruler’s authority. The character 陛 reflects this cultural significance, as thrones symbolize power and governance in Chinese history.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 陛 with similar characters like 逼 (bī), which means 'to force' or 'to compel.' Always remember that 陛 relates to royalty and thrones, while 逼 has a completely different meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 陛
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Grammar Patterns of 陛
陛 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 2 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
女王____下对大多数事情都有明确的观点。
Her Royal Highness has definite views about most things.
Example Sentences for 陛 (4)
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1
女王陛下对大多数事情都有明确的观点。
nǚ wáng bì xià duì dà duō shù shì qíng dū yǒu míng què de guān diǎn。
Her Royal Highness has definite views about most things.
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of the throne is deeply tied to the Mandate of Heaven, which legitimizes a ruler’s authority. The character 陛 reflects this cultural significance, as thrones symbolize power and governance in Chinese history.
Word Family of 陛
Words Containing This Character2
陛下Your Majesty
陛bìthe steps to the throne
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 陛下 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 陛
陛 is primarily used in discussions about royalty, authority, and historical literature, often referring to emperors and thrones.
It is less common in modern spoken Chinese and is mostly found in historical or formal contexts.
It is pronounced with a fourth tone, bì, which is important to distinguish from other similar-sounding characters.
