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March 24, 2026
壁bì(bi4)
The character 壁 (bì) refers to a wall or rampart, often used in contexts such as architecture or fortifications. It can also imply a partition or barrier within a space, making it a versatile term in describing physical structures that separate areas.
Strokes16Radical土Frequency#9122DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, walls (壁) often represent not just physical barriers but also symbolize protection and privacy, which are highly valued in Chinese culture. The Great Wall of China is a historical example of a significant 壁 that served both practical and symbolic purposes.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big solid wall (壁) standing tall, protecting a castle. The character resembles a sturdy barrier, with the top part suggesting the roof of a stronghold and the bottom part representing the solid ground it stands on.
Meanings of 壁
bì(bi4)
1wall
2rampart
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 壁
壁Simplified
16Strokes
土Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9122Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 壁
Podcast: 壁
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AI Study Notes for 壁
Quick Contrast
围墙 (wéiqiáng) - use 壁 (bì) for general walls or barriers, while 围墙 specifically refers to enclosing walls, often around a yard or garden.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big solid wall (壁) standing tall, protecting a castle. The character resembles a sturdy barrier, with the top part suggesting the roof of a stronghold and the bottom part representing the solid ground it stands on.
Usage Notes
When using 壁, be careful not to confuse it with 墙 (qiáng), which also means wall but is more common in everyday contexts. 壁 tends to be used in more formal or literary expressions. Remember that 壁 is often used in compound words, such as '壁画' (bìhuà, mural) or '壁垒' (bìlěi, barricade).
HSK Study Tips
Although 壁 is not included in HSK levels, learners should familiarize themselves with this term as it connects with HSK vocabulary related to buildings and structures. Focus on using it in context to solidify its meaning and usage.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, walls (壁) often represent not just physical barriers but also symbolize protection and privacy, which are highly valued in Chinese culture. The Great Wall of China is a historical example of a significant 壁 that served both practical and symbolic purposes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 壁 with 墙, using 壁 in casual contexts where 墙 would be more appropriate. For instance, saying '我家有一面壁' (Wǒ jiā yǒu yī miàn bì) should be corrected to '我家有一面墙' (Wǒ jiā yǒu yī miàn qiáng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 壁
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Grammar Patterns of 壁
壁 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.
Here another rugged castle crowns the cliffs and crags.
9
我到隔壁房间里把你的包拿来好 吗 ?
wǒ dào gé bì fáng jiān lǐ bǎ nǐ de bāo ná lái hǎo?
Shall I fetch your bag from the next room?
10
她同隔壁房间的一位女孩子成了好朋友.
tā tóng gé bì fáng jiān de yī wèi nǚ hái zǐ chéng le hǎo péng yǒu.
She's chummed up with the girl in the next room.
Cultural Notes for 壁
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, walls (壁) often represent not just physical barriers but also symbolize protection and privacy, which are highly valued in Chinese culture. The Great Wall of China is a historical example of a significant 壁 that served both practical and symbolic purposes.
Word Family of 壁
Words Containing This Character20
隔壁gébìnext door
壁bìwall
墙壁qiángbìwall牆壁
壁橱closet壁櫥
壁炉fireplace壁爐
壁画bìhuàfresco壁畫
壁垒rampart壁壘
壁纸wallpaper壁紙
壁虎gecko
峭壁cliff
赤壁Chibi county level city in Xianning 咸宁市, Hubei
戈壁gēbìGobi (desert)
壁球squash (sport)
碰壁to hit a wall
半壁江山vast swathe of territory
面壁to face the wall
腹壁abdominal wall
绝壁precipice絕壁
悬崖峭壁xuányáqiàobìsheer cliffs and precipitous rock faces (idiom)懸崖峭壁
铜墙铁壁copper wall, iron bastion (idiom); impenetrable defense銅牆鐵壁
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 隔壁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 壁
Common phrases that include 壁 (bì) are '壁画' (bìhuà), meaning 'mural,' and '壁垒' (bìlěi), meaning 'barrier' or 'rampart.' These phrases highlight the use of walls in both artistic and defensive contexts.
While 壁 (bì) specifically refers to walls or ramparts, 墙 (qiáng) is a more general term for walls in Chinese. 壁 is often used in more formal or literary contexts, while 墙 is commonly used in everyday conversation.
壁 (bì) means 'wall' or 'rampart' in Chinese. It can refer to any kind of wall, such as those in buildings or fortifications. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe barriers or partitions in various contexts.
You can use 壁 (bì) in sentences to describe physical walls or barriers. For example, '这面墙是用砖做的' (Zhè miàn qiáng shì yòng zhuān zuò de), meaning 'This wall is made of bricks.' It is often used in formal writing or discussions about architecture.
Not frequently; 壁 is more often found in written forms or formal contexts.
You can say '这面壁很厚' (zhè miàn bì hěn hòu), meaning 'This wall is very thick.'
While both mean 'wall', 壁 is used more for formal or literary descriptions, whereas 墙 is the common term for walls in everyday conversation.
