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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#21443DifficultyVery Hard
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
Choose the correct answer:
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.
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.
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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1The giveawayTwo hands 廾 breaking something 敝; 敝 also provides the pronunciation
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 弊? 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 弊?
Decomposition of 弊
IDS Structure⿱敝廾
弊Full Character
=
敝bi4
top
廾gong3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 弊?
How to say detriment in Chinese
“detriment” in Chinese is弊bì
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.
When to use 弊
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.
弊 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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).
Write 弊
弊
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Practice writing 弊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
