卑微 (bēiwēi) describes a state of being lowly, humble, or insignificant. It is often used to convey a sense of modesty or lack of status, particularly in social or professional contexts. This word can also imply a recognition of one’s limitations or a respectful attitude towards others.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
bēiwēi(bei1wei1) T1
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May 27, 2026
卑微bēiwēi(bei1wei1)
卑微 (bēiwēi) describes a state of being lowly, humble, or insignificant. It is often used to convey a sense of modesty or lack of status, particularly in social or professional contexts. This word can also imply a recognition of one’s limitations or a respectful attitude towards others.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, humility is highly valued, and using terms like 卑微 reflects an understanding of social hierarchies and respect for others. This humility is often seen in Confucian teachings, emphasizing the importance of modesty and self-awareness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny, humble ant (卑) carrying a grain of rice (微) on its back, representing its lowly status in the grand scheme of things. The character '卑' suggests lowliness and '微' refers to something small or insignificant, helping you visualize the meaning of being humble.
About 卑微
卑微Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 卑微
Podcast: 卑微
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AI Study Notes for 卑微
Quick Contrast
卑贱 (bēijiàn) vs 卑微 (bēiwēi): Use 卑微 to emphasize humility or modesty, while 卑贱 conveys a stronger sense of low status or disgrace.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny, humble ant (卑) carrying a grain of rice (微) on its back, representing its lowly status in the grand scheme of things. The character '卑' suggests lowliness and '微' refers to something small or insignificant, helping you visualize the meaning of being humble.
Usage Notes
卑微 is often used in formal or literary contexts rather than in casual conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar words like '卑鄙' (bēibǐ), which means despicable; the nuance is different. Additionally, ensure to use it appropriately to convey a respectful tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 7 word, learners should focus on understanding its usage in both written and spoken contexts, particularly in literature and formal speeches. Connecting this word to other HSK 7 vocabulary related to humility or status, such as '谦虚' (qiānxū, modest) can enhance retention.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, humility is highly valued, and using terms like 卑微 reflects an understanding of social hierarchies and respect for others. This humility is often seen in Confucian teachings, emphasizing the importance of modesty and self-awareness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 卑微 with similar-sounding words, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '他的地位很卑微' (His position is very despicable) instead of 'His position is very humble' can change the intended meaning drastically.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 卑微
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Cultural Notes for 卑微
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, humility is highly valued, and using terms like 卑微 reflects an understanding of social hierarchies and respect for others. This humility is often seen in Confucian teachings, emphasizing the importance of modesty and self-awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions about 卑微
Synonyms include '卑鄙' (bēibǐ, despicable) and '谦虚' (qiānxū, modest), but be aware of their different connotations.
While it's more common in formal contexts, you can use it in everyday conversation to express humility, especially in discussions about personal achievements.
It's pronounced bēiwēi, with the first syllable 'bēi' in a high tone and 'wēi' also in a high tone.
