Definitions
(adjective)
convenient; suitable; handy
(adverb)
then; in that case
(verb)
to relieve oneself
(adjective)
cheap; inexpensive
About
The character "便" in its traditional form combines the person radical (亻) with the component 更, which historically carried connotations of change or substitution, suggesting a structural idea of something suited to a person's adaptable use. Its earliest meanings centered on convenience and suitability, describing situations or tools that facilitated ease and comfort. Over time, this core sense of expediency extended logically into adverbial functions to mean "then" or "in that case", indicating a convenient sequence of events. A significant semantic shift, grounded in practical euphemism, occurred as the word was applied to bodily functions, with "便" coming to denote excrement, a meaning derived from the idea of a private and convenient physical relief. This development created a character with a broad spectrum of uses, from abstract concepts of advantage to the most mundane physical necessities, all connected through the underlying thread of facility and appropriate adaptation.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这样做很方便。
这本书很便宜。
我写了一张便条。
他去便利店买东西。
他吃完饭便走了。
只要你努力，便能成功。
他一看便知道发生了什么事。
既然你已经决定了，我便不再多说。