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敝 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
敝bìto break, to destroy; ruined, tatteredr, 11 strokes, radical 攵, rank #30081, Very Hard
敝bìmy (polite)unknown, 11 strokes, radical 攵, rank #30081, Very Hard
敝bìpoorunknown, 11 strokes, radical 攵, rank #30081, Very Hard
敝bìshabbyunknown, 11 strokes, radical 攵, rank #30081, Very Hard
敝bìworn outunknown, 11 strokes, radical 攵, rank #30081, Very Hard
敝bìdefeatedunknown, 11 strokes, radical 攵, rank #30081, Very Hard
bì(bi4) T4
  1. 1to break, to destroy; ruined, tattered
  2. 2my (polite)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

敝bì(bi4)

The character 敝 (bì) primarily conveys the meaning of being worn out or ruined. It is often used in a self-deprecating manner when referring to one's belongings or status, indicating politeness or humility. In certain contexts, it can also mean to break or destroy.

Strokes11Radical攵Frequency#30081DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, modesty is highly valued, and 敝 is often used in formal introductions or when discussing one's possessions to show respect and humility. This reflects the broader cultural norm of self-effacement.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tattered piece of clothing that has been worn out and broken down over time. The character 敝 resembles a worn-out garment, with the '破' (broken) radical suggesting something that is no longer whole or pristine.

Meanings of 敝

bì(bi4)
1to break, to destroy; ruined, tattered
2my (polite)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 敝

敝Simplified
11Strokes
攵Radical
代词dàicípronoun (pron.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 敝

JasonAmy

Podcast: 敝

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 敝

Quick Contrast

破 (pò) - use 敝 (bì) for self-deprecation about one's own possessions, while 破 (pò) is more neutral and can refer to anything being broken.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a tattered piece of clothing that has been worn out and broken down over time. The character 敝 resembles a worn-out garment, with the '破' (broken) radical suggesting something that is no longer whole or pristine.

Usage Notes

Learners should be careful to use 敝 in appropriate contexts, particularly when expressing humility. It is commonly used in formal situations, often paired with '我' (I) to refer to oneself modestly (e.g., 敝人). Confusing it with similar-sounding characters like '逼' (bī - to force) can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 敝 is not on the HSK list, it is beneficial to understand its use in formal and literary contexts. Students at this level should focus on its connotations of humility and politeness, as well as its relationship with other characters that express degradation or ruin.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, modesty is highly valued, and 敝 is often used in formal introductions or when discussing one's possessions to show respect and humility. This reflects the broader cultural norm of self-effacement.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 敝 with the word for 'to force' (逼, bī), leading to incorrect usage. Remember that 敝 implies humility while discussing personal belongings or situations.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 敝

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Etymology of 敝

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Depicts shabby clothes that have been beaten down.

Memory Hint

strike

Semantic (meaning)攵
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 敝?

Decomposition of 敝

IDS Structure⿰？攵
敝Full Character
=
攵pu1
left
Exercise 1 of 1

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 敝?

Write 敝

敝

Practice writing 敝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 敝

敝 functions as a pronoun — it stands in for a noun. Use it in the same positions as nouns (subject before verb, object after). Plurals are formed by adding 们 (我们, 他们). It carries 6 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

贵公司的报价太高, ____公司要求减价5%.

Your price is too high. We ask for reduction of 5 %.

Example Sentences for 敝 (8)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
贵公司的报价太高, 敝公司要求减价5%.

guì gōng sī de bào jià tài gāo, , bì gōng sī yào qiú jiǎn5%.

Your price is too high. We ask for reduction of 5 %.
2
收到贵公司的定单后,敝公司将在两周内交货.

shōu dào guì gōng sī de dìng dān hòu, , bì gōng sī jiāng zài liǎng zhōu nèi jiāo.

We'll effect delivery within two weeks after receipt of your order.
3
只要数量减半,敝公司接受贵公司的报盘.

zhī yào shù liáng jiǎn bàn, , bì gōng sī jiē shòu guì gōng sī de bào.

We accept your offer only with the quantity reduced by half.
4
该报盘以贵公司的接受于十月十五日以前到达敝公司为准.

gāi bào pán yǐ guì gōng sī de jiē shòu yú shí yuè shí wǔ rì yǐ qián dào dá bì gōng sī wéi zhǔn.

The offer is subject to your acceptance reaching us before October 15 th.
5
该商品好销. 敝公司期望贵公司来订购.

gāi shāng pǐn hǎo xiāo. . bì gōng sī qī wàng guì gōng sī lái dìng.

This commodity has ready market. We expect an order from you.
6
敝公司接受贵公司的报盘. 货物下月运出.

bì gōng sī jiē shòu guì gōng sī de bào pán. . huò wù xià yuè yùn.

We accept your offer. The goods will be despatched next month.
7
我想贵公司可能会对敝公司的新产品感兴趣.

wǒ xiǎng guì gōng sī kě néng huì duì bì gōng sī de xīn chǎn pǐn gǎn xīng qù.

I think you may be interested in our new product.
8
敝姓王,我们非常期待您的光临.

bì xìng wáng, , wǒ mén fēi cháng qī dài nín de guāng.

My name is Wang and we look forward to seeing you.

Cultural Notes for 敝

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, modesty is highly valued, and 敝 is often used in formal introductions or when discussing one's possessions to show respect and humility. This reflects the broader cultural norm of self-effacement.

Word Family of 敝

Words Containing This Character7
敝bìpoor
凋敝impoverished
敝帚自珍a sentimental attachment
民生凋敝the people's livelihood is reduced to destitution (idiom); a time of famine and impoverishment
弃之如敝屣to toss away like a pair of worn-out shoes (idiom)棄之如敝屣
弃若敝屣to throw away like worn out shoes棄若敝屣
破敝shabby
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 敝 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 敝

Use 敝 when you want to express humility, particularly in formal settings, as it shows respect for others.