Definitions

bié (particle) don't; do not
bié (verb) to separate; to part; to leave
bié (adjective) other; different; another

Etymology

Simplified form of . Depicts a knife () cutting meat off of a bone ().

About

The character "别" derives from the concept of separation, its traditional form "別" structurally combining the "knife" radical "刂" with an element originally depicting bones, which together illustrated the act of cutting apart or distinguishing. Initially centered on meanings of division and parting, its semantic range gradually broadened to encompass ideas of difference and otherness, leading to its use as a term for "other" or "another". Over time, it further acquired grammatical functions, notably in forming negative imperatives to convey "do not", a usage that conceptually extends from the idea of withholding or setting actions apart. This progression shows how the character's foundational notion of separation extended into varied lexical and syntactic roles within the language.

Example Sentences Hide

请你生气。

Qǐng nǐ bié shēngqì.

Please don't get angry.

忘记关门。

Bié wàngjì guān mén.

Don't forget to close the door.

人在等你。

Biérén zài děng nǐ.

Other people are waiting for you.

我们即将分

Wǒmen jíjiāng fēnbié.

We are about to part.

的房间更干净。

Bié de fángjiān gèng gānjìng.

The other rooms are cleaner.

针掉在地上了。

Biézhēn diào zài dìshàng le.

The pin fell on the ground.

担心,我会帮你。

Bié dānxīn, wǒ huì bāng nǐ.

Don't worry, I will help you.

过脸去不说话。

Tā bié guò liǎn qù bù shuōhuà.

He turned his face away and didn't speak.