便

About

The Chinese word "便宜" is formed from two characters, each constructed through the phono-semantic compositional method typical of Chinese script. The character 便 combines the semantic radical 人 (person), indicating relevance to human activity, with the component 更, which primarily provides phonetic cues while also hinting at change or alteration. The character 宜 similarly blends the semantic radical 宀 (roof, representing dwelling or cover) to imply domestic or appropriate settings, with 且 acting as a phonetic element that may have historically contributed connotations of suitability. Thus, the individual characters are built by integrating meaning-bearing and sound-bearing components, reflecting the foundational principles of Chinese character formation.

Example Sentences Hide

这件衣服很便宜

Zhè jiàn yīfú hěn piányi.

This piece of clothing is very cheap.

超市里的水果比较便宜

Chāoshì lǐ de shuǐguǒ bǐjiào piányi.

Fruits in the supermarket are relatively cheap.

这本书比那本书便宜很多。

Zhè běn shū bǐ nà běn shū piányi hěn duō.

This book is much cheaper than that book.

如果你等到打折,东西会更便宜

Rúguǒ nǐ děng dào dǎzhé, dōngxi huì gèng piányi.

If you wait for a discount, things will be cheaper.

在经济萧条时期,消费者都寻找便宜的商品。

Zài jīngjì xiāotiáo shíqī, xiāofèizhě dōu xúnzhǎo piányi de shāngpǐn.

During economic depression, consumers all look for cheap goods.

Word Definition - 便宜

pián yi convenient; cheap; inexpensive; a petty advantage; to let sb off lightly

Individual Character Details