狈 (bèi) - A legendary wolf-like animal with short forelegs that & metaphorically describes being in a difficult or helpless

狈Tone 4

bèi ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 犭

傲不

狈 · bèi

A legendary wolf-like animal with short forelegs that must rely on another animal to walk;

metaphorically describes being in a difficult or helpless situation.

A legendary wolf-like animal with short forelegs thatmetaphorically describes being in a difficult or helpless

Usage highlights

Wretched appearanceUtterly wretchedCollaborate in villainyFlee in disarrayBe in a sorry plightLook embarrassed/discomfited

Synonyms

  • 狼— wolf (in the context of 狼狈)
  • 窘迫— embarrassed; in a predicament
  • 困窘— in a difficult situation

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He looked utterly wretched (狼狈不堪).
  • The two conspirators were in cahoots (狼狈为奸).
  • They fled in a state of utter disarray (狼狈逃窜).

Collocations

  • Wretched appearance(狼狈相)
  • Utterly wretched(狼狈不堪)
  • Collaborate in villainy(狼狈为奸)
  • Flee in disarray(狼狈逃窜)
  • Be in a sorry plight(狼狈处境)
  • Look embarrassed/discomfited(显得狼狈)

Idioms

  • Collaborate in villainy(狼狈为奸)
  • Utterly wretched(狼狈不堪)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originates from Chinese folklore/mythology describing a mythical creature.
  • The character is almost exclusively used in the compound 狼狈 to depict a state of awkwardness, collaboration in evil, or disarray.
  • The imagery of the 'beast' (狈) relying on the 'wolf' (狼) has strongly influenced its metaphorical usage.

FAQ