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陛 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
陛bìthrone; steps leading to the thronen, 9 strokes, radical 阝
陛bìthe steps to the throneunknown, 9 strokes, radical 阝
bì(bi4)bi T4
  1. 1throne; steps leading to the throne
  2. 2the steps to the throne
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March 24, 2026

陛bì(bi4)

The character 陛 (bì) refers to a throne or the steps leading to a throne, often used in formal contexts to denote the authority or majesty of a ruler. It is commonly seen in historical literature or discussions about imperial power, emphasizing the high status and respect associated with royalty.

Strokes9Radical阝
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of the throne is deeply tied to the Mandate of Heaven, which legitimizes a ruler’s authority. The character 陛 reflects this cultural significance, as thrones symbolize power and governance in Chinese history.

Memory Tip

Imagine a royal king sitting on a grand throne (陛) at the top of steps, symbolizing his elevated status. The roof (阝) represents the palace, while the lower part symbolizes the steps leading up to it, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation (bì).

Meanings of 陛

bì(bi4)
1throne; steps leading to the throne
2the steps to the throne
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 陛

陛Simplified
9Strokes
阝Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 陛

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Podcast: 陛

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AI Study Notes for 陛

Usage Notes

陛 is typically used in formal or literary contexts, so it may not be appropriate in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to royalty or formal address, such as '陛下' (Your Majesty). Be careful with the tone; it’s pronounced with a fourth tone, which can be confused with other characters if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

Although 陛 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it may appear in advanced reading materials. Students should focus on understanding its historical significance and recognition in classical texts to enhance their reading skills at higher levels.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 陛 with similar characters like 逼 (bī), which means 'to force' or 'to compel.' Always remember that 陛 relates to royalty and thrones, while 逼 has a completely different meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 陛

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Etymology of 陛

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

hill

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

Origin

陛 = 阝 + 坒. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 陛

IDS Structure⿰阝坒
陛Full Character
=
阝yi4
left
坒bi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 陛?

How to say throne; steps leading to the throne in Chinese

“throne; steps leading to the throne” in Chinese is陛bì

The character 陛 (bì) refers to a throne or the steps leading to a throne, often used in formal contexts to denote the authority or majesty of a ruler. It is commonly seen in historical literature or discussions about imperial power, emphasizing the high status and respect associated with royalty.

When to use 陛

陛 is typically used in formal or literary contexts, so it may not be appropriate in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to royalty or formal address, such as '陛下' (Your Majesty). Be careful with the tone; it’s pronounced with a fourth tone, which can be confused with other characters if mispronounced.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 陛 with similar characters like 逼 (bī), which means 'to force' or 'to compel.' Always remember that 陛 relates to royalty and thrones, while 逼 has a completely different meaning.

Write 陛

陛

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

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Grammar Patterns of 陛

陛 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 2 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

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

女王____下对大多数事情都有明确的观点。

Her Royal Highness has definite views about most things.

Example Sentences for 陛 (4)

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1
女王陛下对大多数事情都有明确的观点。

nǚ wáng bì xià duì dà duō shù shì qíng dū yǒu míng què de guān diǎn。

Her Royal Highness has definite views about most things.
2
女王陛下巡视完这家医院后,为纪念匾揭了幕。

nǚ wáng bì xià xún shì wán zhè jiā yī yuàn hòu, , wéi jì niàn biǎn jiē le。

After touring the hospital, Her Majesty unveiled a commemorative plaque.
3
国王和王后陛下赐给我们每人一只小银匙,以欢迎我们的到来。

guó wáng hé wáng hòu bì xià cì gěi wǒ mén měi rén yī zhī xiǎo yín chí, , yǐ huān yíng wǒ mén de dào。

Their Majesties celebrated our arrival by giving us each a little silver spoon.
4
国王和王后陛下今天将为新桥落成剪彩.

guó wáng hé wáng hòu bì xià jīn tiān jiāng wéi xīn qiáo luò chéng jiǎn cǎi.

Their Majesties will open the new bridge today.

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Word Family of 陛

Words Containing This Character2
陛下Your Majesty
陛bìthe steps to the throne
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 陛

What does 陛下 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 陛

陛 is primarily used in discussions about royalty, authority, and historical literature, often referring to emperors and thrones.

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