別 (bié) - to separate & to part

別Tone 2

bié ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 刂

傲不

別 · bié

to separate;

to part;

to distinguish;

other;

another;

do not;

must not

to separateto partto distinguish

Usage highlights

to partto distinguishother peopleanother placespecialgoodbye

Synonyms

  • 分— to separate, to divide
  • 离— to leave, to depart
  • 另— other, another

Antonyms

  • 合— to combine, to unite
  • 同— same, together
  • 聚— to gather, to assemble

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We said goodbye at the station (在车站告别).
  • This is a different method (这是别的方法).
  • Don't go there (别去那里).
  • He lives in another city (他住在别的城市).

Collocations

  • to part(分别)
  • to distinguish(区别)
  • other people(别人)
  • another place(别处)
  • special(特别)
  • goodbye(告别)

Idioms

  • Parting is difficult(别易会难)
  • Extraordinary talent(别具一格)
  • Unable to tell apart(别无二致)
  • No other choice(别无选择)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, parting was often seen as emotionally significant, reflected in poetry and literature.
  • The character combines 'to cut' (刂) with 'to separate' (另), emphasizing the act of separation.
  • Used in modern Mandarin as a negative imperative, similar to 'don't' in English.

FAQ