Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
比例 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
比例bǐlìproportionHSK 5, n, 12 strokes, rank #8222, Hard
比例bǐlìscaleHSK 5, n, 12 strokes, rank #8222, Hard
bǐlì(bi3li4)bi li T3
  1. 1proportion
  2. 2scale
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

比例bǐlì(bi3li4)

比例 (bǐlì) refers to the relationship between two quantities, often expressed as a fraction or ratio. It is commonly used in mathematics, statistics, and discussions about comparisons, such as in finance or demographic studies, to illustrate how different elements relate in size or quantity.

Strokes12Frequency#8222DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 比例 is significant in fields like traditional painting and architecture, where balance and proportion are key to aesthetics. Understanding proportions can also relate to concepts of harmony in Chinese philosophy.

Memory tip

Think of 比 (bǐ) as 'to compare' and 利 (lì) as 'benefit'—when you compare quantities, you can see the benefits of one over the other. Visualize two scales balancing each other, giving you a clear picture of their proportions.

Meanings of 比例

bǐlì(bi3li4)
1proportion
2scale
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 比例 means.

About 比例

比例Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8222Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 比例

JasonAmy

Podcast: 比例

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 比例

Quick Contrast

比例 (bǐlì) vs 份额 (fèn'é) — use 比例 for general ratios or comparisons, while 份额 specifically refers to a share or portion of a whole.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 比例 with 关系 (guānxì), which means 'relationship' in a broader sense. In formal contexts, you might encounter 比例 in reports or academic writing, while in informal settings, it's used in everyday conversations about sizes or quantities.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 比例 connects to other vocabulary about measurements and comparisons at this level. Focus on practicing its usage in sentences to reinforce understanding of proportions in various contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 比例 with 比较 (bǐjiào), which means 'to compare.' For example, saying '我喜欢这个比例' (I like this compare) instead of '我喜欢这个比例' (I like this proportion) is incorrect. Make sure to use the right context for each term.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 比例

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 比例, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 比例 to you

Let me explain 比例 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 比例 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 比例?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 比例 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

Component characters

比bǐto compare
HSK 24 strokes比
View full entry
例lìexample
8 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say proportion in Chinese

“proportion” in Chinese is比例bǐlì

比例 (bǐlì) refers to the relationship between two quantities, often expressed as a fraction or ratio. It is commonly used in mathematics, statistics, and discussions about comparisons, such as in finance or demographic studies, to illustrate how different elements relate in size or quantity.

When to use 比例

Be careful not to confuse 比例 with 关系 (guānxì), which means 'relationship' in a broader sense. In formal contexts, you might encounter 比例 in reports or academic writing, while in informal settings, it's used in everyday conversations about sizes or quantities.

比例 or something close to it

比例 (bǐlì) vs 份额 (fèn'é) — use 比例 for general ratios or comparisons, while 份额 specifically refers to a share or portion of a whole.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 比例 with 比较 (bǐjiào), which means 'to compare.' For example, saying '我喜欢这个比例' (I like this compare) instead of '我喜欢这个比例' (I like this proportion) is incorrect. Make sure to use the right context for each term.

Write 比例

比
例

Practice writing 比例 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 比例

比例 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.

分数值与分母值成反____.

The value of a fraction is inversely proportional to that of the denominator.

Example sentences for 比例 (8)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
分数值与分母值成反比例.

fēnshù zhí yǔ fēn mǔ zhí chéng fǎn bǐlì.

The value of a fraction is inversely proportional to that of the denominator.
2
铁路将承担比例高得多的货运量。

tiělù jiāng chéngdān bǐlì gāo de duō de huòyùn liáng。

The railways will carry a far higher proportion of freight traffic.
3
女性的身体内脂肪与水分的比例往往更高。

nǚxìng de shēntǐ nèi zhīfáng yǔ shuǐfèn de bǐlì wǎngwǎng gèng gāo。

Women's bodies tend to have a higher proportion of fat to water.
4
这套公寓天花板很高,各房间比例均衡。

zhè tào gōngyù tiānhuābǎn hěn gāo, gè fángjiān bǐlì jūnhéng。

The flat has high ceilings and well-proportioned rooms.
5
他的短腿和他的身长不成比例.

tā de duǎn tuǐ hé tā de shēn cháng bùchéng bǐlì.

His short legs were not in proportion to his long body.
6
要用一大汤匙的醋加一品脱温水的比例调制的溶液.

yào yòng yī dà shāng chí de cù jiā yī pǐn tuō Wēn shuǐ de bǐlì diào zhì de róng yè.

Use a solution of 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 pint of warm water.
7
1982年那一届只有18.8%的学生在中学毕业4年后获得了某种文凭,而1972年那一届这一比例是45%。

1982 nián nà yī jiè zhǐyǒu18.8% de xuéshēng zài zhōngxué bìyè4 nián hòu huòdé le mǒu zhǒng wénpíng, ér1972 nián nà yī jiè zhè yī bǐlì shì45%。

Only 8% of the class of 1982 had some kind of diploma four years after high school, versus 45% of the class of
8
目的:寻找交泰丸镇静安神作用的最佳配伍比例.

mùdì: xúnzhǎo jiāo tài wán zhènjìng Ān shén zuòyòng de zuìjiā pèi Wǔ bǐlì.

Objective To ascertain the best ratio of Tramadol compound injection.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 比例?

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 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 比例

You can say '这个产品的价格与质量的比例很合理' (The price to quality ratio of this product is very reasonable).

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 比例?

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