Definitions

(noun) harm; detriment
(noun) fraud; misconduct

Etymology

Two hands  breaking something  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "弊" is structured with "敝" as its primary component, which carries connotations of being worn-out or defeated, combined with "廾" at the base, a element depicting two hands engaged in action. This composition suggests an etymology linked to mishandling or causing harm, leading to early meanings centered on general detriment or disadvantage. Over centuries, its semantic focus shifted to more specific contexts of fraud, corruption, and systemic faults, as evidenced by its use in compounds like "弊病" for ailment and "弊端" for malpractice. The character's form has consistently integrated these components to convey notions of abuse or drawback.

Example Sentences Hide

对学习有害。

Zuòbì duì xuéxí yǒuhài.

Cheating is harmful to learning.

这个政策有端。

Zhège zhèngcè yǒu bìduān.

This policy has drawbacks.

我们要消除病。

Wǒmen yào xiāochú bìbìng.

We need to eliminate malpractices.

他指出了制度的害。

Tā zhǐchūle zhìdù de bìhài.

He pointed out the harms of the system.

这种做法的大于利。

Zhè zhǒng zuòfǎ de bì dà yú lì.

The disadvantages of this method outweigh the advantages.

公司正在改革以革除端。

Gōngsī zhèngzài gǎigé yǐ géchú bìduān.

The company is reforming to eliminate drawbacks.

分析问题时需权衡利

Fēnxī wèntí shí xū quánhéng lìbì.

When analyzing problems, one needs to weigh the pros and cons.

长期忽视这些病会导致严重后果。

Chángqī hūshì zhèxiē bìbìng huì dǎozhì yánzhòng hòuguǒ.

Long-term neglect of these malpractices will lead to serious consequences.