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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Pictograph of a hand holding the base of an object.
1The giveawayA hand 又(altered) holding an empty shell 甲 (altered)
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 卑? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 卑?
Decomposition of 卑
IDS Structure⿱白十
卑Full Character
=
白Bai2
top
十shi2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 卑?
How to say low in Chinese
“low” in Chinese is卑bēi
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
Complete the Sentence
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.
