庇

bì

广 + 比

Definitions

bì to protect; cover; shelter; hide or harbor

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 广 represents the meaning and 比 represents the sound.

Semantic: 广 Phonetic: 比

About

庇 is a phonosemantic compound. The radical 广, depicting a shelter or cliff, wraps around the top and left, indicating meanings related to buildings, roofs, and protective spaces. Inside, the component 比 (bǐ) provides the pronunciation. The character's original sense is to shelter, cover, or offer physical refuge from harsh elements or danger. From this concrete image of putting a roof over someone's head, the meaning expanded to shielding, defending, and protecting individuals from harm, persecution, or adverse circumstances. This often implies a protective bond where a stronger party safeguards a more vulnerable one.

Etymology Hide

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

大树庇荫着我们。

Dà shù bìyìn zhe wǒmen.

The big tree shelters us.

这个组织庇护难民。

Zhège zǔzhī bìhù nànmín.

This organization shelters refugees.

在暴风雨中，小屋庇佑了我们。

Zài bàofēngyǔ zhōng, xiǎo wū bìyòu le wǒmen.

In the storm, the hut protected us.

政府提供庇护给受害者。

Zhèngfǔ tígōng bìhù gěi shòuhàizhě.

The government provides shelter to victims.

他的权力庇荫了整个家族。

Tā de quánlì bìyìn le zhěnggè jiāzú.

His power sheltered the entire family.

虽然环境艰苦，但友谊庇佑着我们前行。

Suīrán huánjìng jiānkǔ, dàn yǒuyì bìyòu zhe wǒmen qiánxíng.

Although the environment is tough, friendship protects us as we move forward.

国际社会应该共同庇护战争流亡者。

Guójì shèhuì yīnggāi gòngtóng bìhù zhànzhēng liúwángzhě.

The international community should jointly shelter war exiles.

在法律的庇荫下，公民的权利得到了充分保障。

Zài fǎlǜ de bìyìn xià, gōngmín de quánlì dédào le chōngfèn bǎozhàng.

Under the shelter of the law, citizens' rights are fully guaranteed.

Related Characters

Component: 广

Component: 比

庇