辨 (biàn) - To distinguish & to differentiate

辨Tone 4

biàn ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

辨 · biàn

To distinguish;

to differentiate;

to discriminate;

to recognize differences between things.

To distinguishto differentiateto discriminate

Usage highlights

DistinguishDifferentiateIdentifyDebateDiscriminateDistinguish right from wrong

Synonyms

  • 别— to distinguish; to separate
  • 分— to divide; to distinguish
  • 识— to recognize; to know

Antonyms

  • 混— to mix; to confuse
  • 淆— to confuse; to mix up

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We need to distinguish between right and wrong (辨别是非).
  • It's difficult to tell the twins apart (难以分辨).
  • The expert can identify authentic antiques (辨认真品).
  • Debate helps clarify the truth (辩论明理).

Collocations

  • Distinguish(辨别)
  • Differentiate(分辨)
  • Identify(辨认)
  • Debate(辩论)
  • Discriminate(辨析)
  • Distinguish right from wrong(辨明是非)

Idioms

  • Unable to distinguish wheat from tares(不辨菽麦)
  • Distinguish the false from the genuine(辨伪存真)
  • Debate fiercely(雄辩高谈)
  • Distinguish dragons and snakes(辨龙蛇)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character reflects the importance of discernment and analytical thinking in Chinese philosophical traditions.
  • Frequently appears in legal, academic, and philosophical contexts where careful distinction is required.
  • The central component 辛 represents two opposing parties, emphasizing the act of differentiation.

FAQ