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北 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
北
běi
north
HSK 3, ns, 5 strokes, radical 匕, rank #2399, Medium
北
běi
to be defeated (classical)
HSK 3, ns, 5 strokes, radical 匕, rank #2399, Medium
北
běi
north; northern; northward
HSK 3, ns, 5 strokes, radical 匕, rank #2399, Medium
běi(bei3)bei T3
1north
2to be defeated (classical)
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March 24, 2026
北běi(bei3)
The character 北 (běi) primarily means 'north' and is used to denote direction or location. It can also refer to northern regions or concepts, and in classical literature, it can imply being defeated. In everyday usage, it's commonly seen alongside other directional characters like 东 (east), 南 (south), and 西 (west).
Strokes5Radical匕Frequency#2399DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of direction is significant in practices like Feng Shui, where the north is often associated with the water element and symbolizes one’s career path. Many traditional maps are oriented with north at the top, reflecting its importance in navigation.
Memory tip
Imagine a mountain pointing up towards the sky, representing the direction of the north. The character 北 resembles a mountain (the top part) with a base, symbolizing how north is often associated with cold, elevated regions. You can remember the pinyin 'běi' by thinking of a bear (pronounced similarly) that heads north for winter.
Meanings of 北
běi(bei3)
1north
2to be defeated (classical)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 北
北Simplified
5Strokes
匕Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#2399Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL1YCTL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 北
Podcast: 北
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AI study notes for 北
Quick Contrast
南 (nán, south) — use 北 (běi) when indicating direction towards the north, as opposed to 南 for the south.
Usage Notes
When using 北, be careful with its position in phrases and sentences, as it can affect meaning. It’s often used in both formal and informal contexts, but make sure to use it in conjunction with other directional words correctly, as in 北方 (northern region) or 北极 (North Pole).
HSK Study Tips
Although 北 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 1 vocabulary like 这 (this) and 那 (that) when discussing locations. Students should focus on its use in directional phrases and geographic contexts, as it appears frequently in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 北 with other directional words like 南 (south) or mistakenly use it in contexts unrelated to direction. For example, saying '我去北' (wǒ qù běi) is incorrect; it should be '我去北方' (wǒ qù běifāng) for clarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 北
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Example
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Knowing 北 is seven skills, not one.
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六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation
Pictograph of two people standing back-to-back. Based on the original meaning "back", now written as 背. The current meaning "north" is a phonetic loan.
Memory hint
Two people 匕 sitting back-to-back; phonetic loan for "north"
The character 北 (běi) primarily means 'north' and is used to denote direction or location. It can also refer to northern regions or concepts, and in classical literature, it can imply being defeated. In everyday usage, it's commonly seen alongside other directional characters like 东 (east), 南 (south), and 西 (west).
When to use 北
When using 北, be careful with its position in phrases and sentences, as it can affect meaning. It’s often used in both formal and informal contexts, but make sure to use it in conjunction with other directional words correctly, as in 北方 (northern region) or 北极 (North Pole).
北 or something close to it
南 (nán, south) — use 北 (běi) when indicating direction towards the north, as opposed to 南 for the south.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 北 with other directional words like 南 (south) or mistakenly use it in contexts unrelated to direction. For example, saying '我去北' (wǒ qù běi) is incorrect; it should be '我去北方' (wǒ qù běifāng) for clarity.
Write 北
北
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Practice writing 北 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 北
北 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.
