Definitions

bèi (noun) generation
bèi (noun) group; class of people
bèi (noun) lifetime

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "large group of chariots". The meaning later shifted to "group of things" and "generation". Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "辈", traditionally written as "輩", is structurally composed of "非" positioned above "車" (which simplifies to "车"). Its etymology originates from the idea of rows or lines of chariots, with the "車" component directly referencing vehicles. This meaning gradually extended from denoting physical alignments to metaphorically representing social sequences, leading to its contemporary use for indicating a generation or a category of individuals sharing similar status or age. The character's form has maintained this basic compositional arrangement while its semantic focus transitioned from objects to human classifications.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Jin dynasty (266-420 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我一子都住在这里。

Wǒ yībèizi dōu zhù zài zhèlǐ.

I have lived here all my life.

的经验很宝贵。

Qiánbèi de jīngyàn hěn bǎoguì.

The experience of seniors is very valuable.

我们家的分很清晰。

Wǒmen jiā de bèifen hěn qīngxī.

The seniority in our family is very clear.

我和他是同人。

Wǒ hé tā shì tóngbèi rén.

He and I are of the same generation.

应该尊敬长

Wǎnbèi yīnggāi zūnjìng zhǎngbèi.

The younger generation should respect the elders.

这个时代人才出。

Zhège shídài réncái bèichū.

This era sees a large number of talented people emerging.

的传统不能忘记。

Zǔbèi de chuántǒng bùnéng wàngjì.

The traditions of ancestors cannot be forgotten.

在家族中,他的分极高,许多同人都对他十分尊敬。

Zài jiāzú zhōng, tā de bèifen jí gāo, xǔduō tóngbèi rén dōu duì tā shífēn zūnjìng.

In the family clan, his seniority is very high, and many peers respect him greatly.