Meanings of 别
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About 别
Podcast: 别
Podcast: 别
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AI Study Notes for 别
别 (bié) vs 不要 (bù yào): Use 别 for informal or conversational contexts when telling someone not to do something, while 不要 is more formal or emphatic.
Common mistakes include confusing 别 with other words that mean 'leave' or 'go away,' such as 离开 (líkāi). This character is more informal and is often used in everyday conversation, so be cautious with its tone and context.
As an HSK Level 2 word, 别 connects with other verbs of action and negation. Students should focus on its usage in commands and prohibitions and practice forming sentences that include 别 to express requests or commands effectively.
Learners often confuse 别 with 不 (bù) for negation. For example, saying 别不去 (bié bù qù - don't not go) is incorrect; the right phrase is simply 别去 (bié qù - don't go).
Pronunciation of 别
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Etymology of 别
Simplified form of 別. Pictograph depicting cutting meat off of a bone.
To draw boundaries 刂 between classes 另
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 别
Simplified form of 別. Pictograph depicting cutting meat off of a bone.
- 1The giveawayTo draw boundaries 刂 between classes 另
- 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 别? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 别
Identify the Components
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How to say to leave in Chinese
“to leave” in Chinese is别
The character 别 (bié) primarily means 'to leave' or 'to depart.' It is often used in the context of saying 'don't' (e.g., 别走 - don't leave). In addition, it can imply distinguishing or classifying things, showcasing its versatility in different contexts.
When to use 别
Common mistakes include confusing 别 with other words that mean 'leave' or 'go away,' such as 离开 (líkāi). This character is more informal and is often used in everyday conversation, so be cautious with its tone and context.
别 or something close to it
别 (bié) vs 不要 (bù yào): Use 别 for informal or conversational contexts when telling someone not to do something, while 不要 is more formal or emphatic.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 别 with 不 (bù) for negation. For example, saying 别不去 (bié bù qù - don't not go) is incorrect; the right phrase is simply 别去 (bié qù - don't go).
Write 别
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Practice writing 别 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 别
别 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 14 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.
Complete the Sentence
____说了！
Stop talking!
Example Sentences for 别 (10)
Word Family of 别
Compound Meaning
What does 捌 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 别
You can use 别 to give commands, such as 别跑 (bié pǎo - don't run) or 别说话 (bié shuōhuà - don't talk).
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