Definitions
(adjective)
convenient; suitable; handy
(adverb)
then; in that case
(verb)
to relieve oneself
(adjective)
cheap; inexpensive
About
The character 便, which remains identical in both traditional and simplified systems, is composed of the radical 人 (person) and the phonetic component 更 (to change). Its original meaning related to suitability or convenience for a person, from which its core sense of "convenient" or "ease" derived. This concept of appropriateness extended to functional meanings such as "ordinary" or "plain", as in 便服 (ordinary clothes), and to matters of bodily function, giving rise to words like 大便 (feces). Over time, the character also developed an adverbial function, meaning "then" or "in that case", linking logically to the idea of something being suitable and thus ensuing. The structure with 人 and 更 consistently reflects this idea of human adaptability or a change in condition leading to convenience.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这样做很方便。
这本书很便宜。
我写了一张便条。
他去便利店买东西。
他吃完饭便走了。
只要你努力，便能成功。
他一看便知道发生了什么事。
既然你已经决定了，我便不再多说。