Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
狴 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
狴bìtapir; a fierce beast depicted on prison doorsn, 10 strokes, radical 犭
狴bì(tapir)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 犭
bì(bi4)bi T4
  1. 1tapir; a fierce beast depicted on prison doors
  2. 2(tapir)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

狴bì(bi4)

The character 狴 (bì) refers to a tapir, a large herbivorous mammal native to tropical forests. In Chinese culture, it is also associated with a mythical beast depicted on the doors of prisons, symbolizing ferocity and guarding against evil. This dual meaning reflects both a real animal and a cultural symbol of protection.

Strokes10Radical犭
Cultural note

In ancient China, the depiction of the fierce beast on prison doors served as a deterrent against evil spirits and wrongdoers, reflecting societal views on justice and protection.

Memory tip

Imagine a fierce tapir guarding a prison door, its strong body resembling the character's shape. The character starts with '犬' (dog radical), hinting at its animal nature, while the other components suggest strength and fearlessness, making it memorable as the protector of the door.

Meanings of 狴

bì(bi4)
1tapir; a fierce beast depicted on prison doors
2(tapir)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 狴 means.

About 狴

狴Simplified
10Strokes
犭Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 狴

JasonAmy

Podcast: 狴

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 狴

Usage Notes

While '狴' specifically refers to a tapir, learners should be aware that it is not commonly used in everyday conversation. The term is more frequently found in literary or historical contexts. Be cautious of tone; the correct pronunciation 'bì' must be emphasized to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding characters.

HSK Study Tips

Although '狴' is not included in the HSK lists, understanding it can enhance vocabulary related to animals and cultural symbols. Students should focus on the character's components and its context within ancient texts to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce '狴' as 'bǐ', which changes its meaning and can lead to confusion. Additionally, using it in casual contexts can be inappropriate, as it is primarily a literary term.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 狴

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 狴 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 狴 to you

Let me explain 狴 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 狴 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 狴?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 狴 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 狴

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

animal

Semantic (meaning)犭
+
Phonetic (sound)坒
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

狴 = 犭 + 坒. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 狴

IDS Structure⿰犭坒
狴Full character
=
犭quan3
left
坒bi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 狴?

How to say tapir; a fierce beast depicted on prison doors in Chinese

“tapir; a fierce beast depicted on prison doors” in Chinese is狴bì

The character 狴 (bì) refers to a tapir, a large herbivorous mammal native to tropical forests. In Chinese culture, it is also associated with a mythical beast depicted on the doors of prisons, symbolizing ferocity and guarding against evil. This dual meaning reflects both a real animal and a cultural symbol of protection.

When to use 狴

While '狴' specifically refers to a tapir, learners should be aware that it is not commonly used in everyday conversation. The term is more frequently found in literary or historical contexts. Be cautious of tone; the correct pronunciation 'bì' must be emphasized to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding characters.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce '狴' as 'bǐ', which changes its meaning and can lead to confusion. Additionally, using it in casual contexts can be inappropriate, as it is primarily a literary term.

Write 狴

狴

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 狴?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Word Family of 狴

Words containing this character1
狴bì(tapir)

Frequently asked questions about 狴

'狴' is not commonly used in daily conversation and is mostly found in literary or historical contexts.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 狴?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab