庳 (bì) - Low & humble

庳Tone 4

bì ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

庳 · bì

Low;

humble;

low-lying;

short (in stature);

mean;

inferior.

Lowhumblelow-lying

Usage highlights

Low and dampHumble dwellingLow positionShort statureLow landMean and vulgar

Synonyms

  • 低— low (more common modern equivalent)
  • 卑— humble, lowly (often moral/social connotation)
  • 矮— short (in stature)

Antonyms

  • 高— high, tall
  • 崇— lofty, sublime
  • 贵— noble, precious

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The land is low and damp (地势庳湿).
  • He lived in a humble dwelling (居处庳陋).
  • The official held a low-ranking position (官职庳下).
  • The ceiling is unusually low (屋顶庳矮).

Collocations

  • Low and damp(庳湿)
  • Humble dwelling(庳陋)
  • Low position(庳职)
  • Short stature(身庳)
  • Low land(庳地)
  • Mean and vulgar(庳俗)

Idioms

  • High and low, noble and humble(高庳贵贱)
  • The palace is humble and the robe is plain(宫庳服俭)
  • To lower oneself and yield to others(降庳逊让)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical texts, 庳 often describes physical lowness (terrain, buildings) or social inferiority.
  • Used in contrast to 高 (high) to express hierarchy or quality differences.
  • Appears in historical descriptions of modest living conditions or humble status.

FAQ