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March 24, 2026
弊bì(bi4)
The character 弊 (bì) refers to harm, detriment, or fraud. It is often used in contexts discussing negative consequences or wrongful actions, such as in legal or ethical discussions. It conveys a sense of wrongdoing or disadvantage resulting from a particular situation or action.
Strokes14Radical廾Frequency#21443DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 弊 is often tied to discussions about corruption or moral decay, especially in government and business contexts. The focus on ethical behavior and the consequences of wrongdoing are significant in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'bee' (bì) buzzing around, causing harm to a beautiful garden. The bee represents the 'harm' or 'detriment' that can occur, just like the character 弊 combines elements that suggest negativity. Visualizing this bee damaging the flowers can help link the sound and meaning.
Meanings of 弊
bì(bi4)
1detriment
2fraud
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 弊
弊Simplified
14Strokes
廾Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#21443Frequency Rank
Podcast: 弊
Podcast: 弊
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AI Study Notes for 弊
Quick Contrast
弊 (bì) vs 损 (sǔn) — use 弊 to emphasize wrongful actions or fraud, while 损 focuses more on harm or loss without the implication of wrongdoing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'bee' (bì) buzzing around, causing harm to a beautiful garden. The bee represents the 'harm' or 'detriment' that can occur, just like the character 弊 combines elements that suggest negativity. Visualizing this bee damaging the flowers can help link the sound and meaning.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 弊 (bì) with 利 (lì), which means benefit or profit. This word is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as discussions of laws or policies. Watch for the correct tone as mispronunciation could change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 弊 is not included in HSK vocabulary, it relates to other HSK words about ethics and consequences, such as 伤害 (shānghài - harm) and 违法 (wéifǎ - illegal). Focus on understanding its use in phrases and context to see how it connects to discussions of negative outcomes.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 弊 is often tied to discussions about corruption or moral decay, especially in government and business contexts. The focus on ethical behavior and the consequences of wrongdoing are significant in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 弊 incorrectly in informal contexts. For example, saying '我很弊' (Wǒ hěn bì - I am very harmful) is incorrect; a better phrase would be '我很糟糕' (Wǒ hěn zāogāo - I am very bad).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弊
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Grammar Patterns of 弊
弊 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 5 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.
In Chinese culture, the concept of 弊 is often tied to discussions about corruption or moral decay, especially in government and business contexts. The focus on ethical behavior and the consequences of wrongdoing are significant in Chinese society.
Word Family of 弊
Words Containing This Character19
作弊zuòbìto cheat
弊bìfraud
弊端bìduānabuse
舞弊to engage in fraud
利弊pros and cons
弊病bìbìngmalady
徇私舞弊to abuse one's position for personal gain (idiom)
权衡利弊to weigh the pros and cons (idiom)權衡利弊
积弊age-old (malpractice)積弊
流弊malpractice
营私舞弊to abuse one's position for personal gain (idiom)營私舞弊
时弊ills of the day時弊
兴利除弊to promote what is useful and get rid of what is harmful (idiom)興利除弊
切中时弊to hit the nub of the matter切中時弊
补偏救弊to remedy defects and correct errors (idiom); to rectify past mistakes補偏救弊
私弊fraudulent practice
百弊丛生All the ill effects appear. (idiom)百弊叢生
宿弊long-standing abuse
蠹弊abuse
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 作弊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 弊
You can say '这个政策有很多弊端' (Zhège zhèngcè yǒu hěn duō bìduān), meaning 'This policy has many drawbacks.'
Synonyms include 伤害 (shānghài - harm) and 不利 (bùlì - disadvantage).
While it can be used, it is more common in formal contexts, so be mindful of your audience.
