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.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
请你别生气。
别忘记关门。
别人在等你。
我们即将分别。
别的房间更干净。
别针掉在地上了。
别担心，我会帮你。
他别过脸去不说话。