Definitions

(noun) harm; detriment
(noun) fraud; misconduct

Etymology

Two hands  breaking something  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "弊" finds its origins in the component "敝", which conveys the idea of something torn or worn out, and this notion of impairment is structurally embedded through the combination of "敝" with an element implying action or consequence. Initially denoting physical decay or damage, the character's meaning gradually extended to abstract faults and malpractices, such as corruption or inefficiencies within systems. This semantic shift allowed it to describe a wide spectrum of negative conditions, from tangible ruin to metaphorical drawbacks, while its compositional logic has remained consistent in expressing the concept of detriment.

Example Sentences Hide

对学习有害。

Zuòbì duì xuéxí yǒuhài.

Cheating is harmful to learning.

这个政策有端。

Zhège zhèngcè yǒu bìduān.

This policy has drawbacks.

我们要消除病。

Wǒmen yào xiāochú bìbìng.

We need to eliminate malpractices.

他指出了制度的害。

Tā zhǐchūle zhìdù de bìhài.

He pointed out the harms of the system.

这种做法的大于利。

Zhè zhǒng zuòfǎ de bì dà yú lì.

The disadvantages of this method outweigh the advantages.

公司正在改革以革除端。

Gōngsī zhèngzài gǎigé yǐ géchú bìduān.

The company is reforming to eliminate drawbacks.

分析问题时需权衡利

Fēnxī wèntí shí xū quánhéng lìbì.

When analyzing problems, one needs to weigh the pros and cons.

长期忽视这些病会导致严重后果。

Chángqī hūshì zhèxiē bìbìng huì dǎozhì yánzhòng hòuguǒ.

Long-term neglect of these malpractices will lead to serious consequences.