北 (běi) - North & to be defeated (in battle)

北Tone 3

běi ｜ 5 strokes ｜ radical: 匕

傲不

北 · běi

North;

to be defeated (in battle);

to flee.

Northto be defeated (in battle)to flee.

Usage highlights

NorthBeijingNorth AmericaNorthern ExpeditionNorth StarNorth Pole

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 南— south
  • 胜— victory (antonym to defeat meaning)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Beijing is the capital of China (北京).
  • The compass points north (北方).
  • They were defeated in battle (败北).
  • The northern hemisphere (北半球).

Collocations

  • North(北方)
  • Beijing(北京)
  • North America(北美洲)
  • Northern Expedition(北伐)
  • North Star(北极星)
  • North Pole(北极)

Idioms

  • Fight south and north(南征北战)
  • Go north and south(走南闯北)
  • Look in all directions(望南北)
  • The north and south poles(南辕北辙)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • One of the four cardinal directions in Chinese culture, associated with water element and winter.
  • Historically used to refer to northern China, particularly during periods of division between northern and southern dynasties.
  • In military context, 'bei' means defeat, as ancient Chinese armies would flee northward when defeated.

FAQ