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March 24, 2026
弊端bìduān(bi4duan1)
弊端 (bì duān) refers to the negative aspects or pitfalls of a system, practice, or behavior, often highlighting corruption or malpractice. It is commonly used in discussions about governance, business practices, and social issues, emphasizing the need for reform or awareness of these detrimental practices.
Strokes28Frequency#28679DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, discussions about 弊端 often relate to the government's efforts to combat corruption, especially in recent years. The term is frequently seen in media reports about anti-corruption campaigns.
Memory Tip
Think of '弊' (bì) as a 'bee' that causes trouble, buzzing around the '端' (duān) or edge of a problem. Imagine a bee buzzing around a corrupt business, causing all kinds of trouble. This imagery links the pronunciation to the idea of negative aspects or malpractice.
Meanings of 弊端
bìduān(bi4duan1)
1malpractice
2abuse
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 弊端
弊端Simplified
28Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#28679Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 弊端
Podcast: 弊端
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AI Study Notes for 弊端
Quick Contrast
缺陷 (quēxiàn) refers to flaws or defects in something, focusing more on inherent shortcomings rather than negative practices or corruption; use 弊端 when emphasizing systemic issues or malpractice.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '弊' (bì) as a 'bee' that causes trouble, buzzing around the '端' (duān) or edge of a problem. Imagine a bee buzzing around a corrupt business, causing all kinds of trouble. This imagery links the pronunciation to the idea of negative aspects or malpractice.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 弊端 with other similar terms that do not carry the same connotation of corruption. It is often used in formal contexts, such as reports or academic discussions. Common collocations include '减少弊端' (reduce malpractice) or '揭露弊端' (expose malpractice).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 弊端 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to governance and ethics, like 政治 (politics) and 腐败 (corruption). Students should focus on using it in context, especially when discussing social issues or reforms.
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, discussions about 弊端 often relate to the government's efforts to combat corruption, especially in recent years. The term is frequently seen in media reports about anti-corruption campaigns.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 弊端 in informal contexts where a simpler term would suffice. For example, saying '这个电影有很多弊端' (This movie has many malpractices) is incorrect; a better choice would be '缺点' (shortcomings).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弊端
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Grammar Patterns of 弊端
弊端 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 3 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
Complete the Sentence
____远远大于那可能获得的收益。
The minuses far outweigh that possible gain.
Example Sentences for 弊端 (10)
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nmalpractice8
1
弊端远远大于那可能获得的收益。
bì duān yuǎn yuǎn dà yú nà kě néng huò dé de shōu yì。
The minuses far outweigh that possible gain.
2
这是我们身为女孩的弊端——男孩子们过得轻松。
zhè shì wǒ mén shēn wéi nǚ hái de bì duān—— —— nán hái zǐ mén guò dé qīng。
It's a penalty of us being girls — sons have an easy time.
If the system is not improved, its potential abuses may accumulate continuously, eventually leading to a crisis.
Cultural Notes for 弊端
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese society, discussions about 弊端 often relate to the government's efforts to combat corruption, especially in recent years. The term is frequently seen in media reports about anti-corruption campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions about 弊端
You can say, '政府需要减少社会中的弊端' (The government needs to reduce the malpractices in society).
It's more commonly used in formal settings, such as news articles or academic discussions rather than casual conversations.
Synonyms include 不良行为 (bad behavior) or 败坏 (corruption), but be mindful of the specific context.
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