Definitions

biān (verb) to arrange; to organize
biān (verb) to edit; to compile
biān (verb) to compose; to write
biān (verb) to weave; to plait

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The traditional character 編 uses the silk radical 糸 on the left as a semantic component, linking it to textiles, threads, and the act of binding. The right side contains the phonetic element 扁. Its original meaning referred to the physical process of weaving or plaiting materials like bamboo strips or cords to make objects or texts, as early books consisted of bamboo slips tied with string. From this concrete act of binding textual materials, the meaning expanded to include the abstract actions of compiling, arranging, editing, and organizing written works, as well as fabricating or inventing stories.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他正在故事。

Tā zhèngzài biān gùshì.

He is making up a story.

她是杂志的辑。

Tā shì zázhì de biānjí.

She is the editor of a magazine.

写了一本书。

Tā biānxiě le yī běn shū.

He wrote a book.

我们需要一个程序。

Wǒmen xūyào biān yī gè chéngxù.

We need to write a program.

他负责录资料。

Tā fùzé biānlù zīliào.

He is responsible for compiling materials.

故事需要想象力。

Biān gùshì xūyào xiǎngxiànglì.

Making up stories requires imagination.

的舞蹈很好看。

Tā biān de wǔdǎo hěn hǎokàn.

The dance she choreographed is very beautiful.

这部小说是根据真实事件的。

Zhè bù xiǎoshuō shì gēnjù zhēnshí shìjiàn biān de.

This novel is based on real events.