Definitions

bēi (noun) monument; stone tablet; stele

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "碑", signifying a stone tablet or stele, derives from a composite structure where the radical "石" (stone) denotes its material substance while the component "卑" primarily serves a phonetic function, though some interpretations also suggest a connotation of elevation or display. Its original application in early texts referred to upright stone markers with mundane purposes, such as tethering animals or functioning as rudimentary sun dials. Over centuries, the meaning specialized and elevated, narrowing to designate specifically crafted stone monuments inscribed with commemorative text, often documenting achievements, decrees, or elegies, and intended for public memorial. This semantic shift from a generic stone post to a ceremonial inscribed object is directly reflected in the enduring stability of its written form, which has remained consistent in its traditional composition.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们去看纪念

Wǒmen qù kàn jìniànbēi.

We go to see the monument.

这座纪念很高大。

Zhè zuò jìniànbēi hěn gāodà.

This monument is very tall and grand.

上刻着英雄的名字。

Bēi shàng kèzhe yīngxióng de míngzì.

The stele is engraved with the hero's name.

古代文记载了历史。

Gǔdài bēiwén jìzǎile lìshǐ.

Ancient inscriptions record history.

墓地里的墓排列整齐。

Mùdì lǐ de mùbēi páiliè zhěngqí.

The tombstones in the cemetery are arranged neatly.

人们在新前献花致敬。

Rénmen zài xīn bēi qián xiàn huā zhìjìng.

People lay flowers and pay respects in front of the new stele.

由于年代久远,石已经风化。

Yóuyú niándài jiǔyuǎn, shíbēi yǐjīng fēnghuà.

Due to age, the stone tablet has weathered.

这座丰不仅纪念过去,也启迪未来。

Zhè zuò fēngbēi bùjǐn jìniàn guòqù, yě qǐdí wèilái.

This monument not only commemorates the past but also enlightens the future.