The Chinese word 卑劣 (bēiliè) is a compound adjective formed through the combination of two semantically similar characters to create a more specific and intensified meaning. The first character, 卑 (bēi), carries the core meaning of "lowly," "base," or "humble," while the second character, 劣 (liè), means "inferior," "bad," or "of low quality." When paired together in this parallel structure, their meanings converge and reinforce each other, resulting in a term that describes behavior or character that is morally despicable, mean-spirited, and contemptibly low—essentially, vile or ignoble conduct born from a base and inferior nature.