賁 (bì) - Ben — to decorate, adorn & also used in names

賁Tone 4

bì ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

賁 · bì

Ben — to decorate, adorn;

also used in names;

variant of 奔 (to run quickly);

in classical texts, refers to a type of pattern or ornamentation.

Ben — to decorate, adornalso used in namesvariant of 奔 (to run quickly)

Usage highlights

Tiger GuardBen hexagramTo decorateBen surnameMagnificent appearanceAdorned with patterns

Synonyms

  • 飾— to decorate, adorn
  • 裝— to decorate, dress up
  • 文— pattern, ornament (in some contexts)

Antonyms

  • 樸— plain, unadorned
  • 素— simple, plain

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The hall was beautifully decorated (賁飾).
  • He has the surname Ben (賁姓).
  • The tiger's stripes are a natural adornment (虎賁).
  • Ancient texts mention the Ben Gua (賁卦) in the I Ching.

Collocations

  • Tiger Guard(虎賁)
  • Ben hexagram(賁卦)
  • To decorate(賁飾)
  • Ben surname(賁姓)
  • Magnificent appearance(賁然)
  • Adorned with patterns(文賁)

Idioms

  • The Ben hexagram symbolizes cultural ornamentation(賁卦)
  • Tiger warriors of imperial guards(虎賁之士)
  • As fast as Ben Yu(疾如賁育)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In the I Ching (Book of Changes), the Ben hexagram (賁卦) represents ornamentation, culture, and refinement.
  • Historically, 'Tiger Guard' (虎賁) referred to elite imperial guards, symbolizing bravery and martial prowess.
  • The character appears in some Chinese surnames and historical figures' names.

FAQ