辩 (biàn) - To debate & to argue

辩Tone 4

biàn ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

辩 · biàn

To debate;

to argue;

to dispute;

to discuss;

to distinguish.

To debateto argueto dispute

Usage highlights

DebateDefend/argue forRefuteDistinguish/analyzeArgumentSophistry/specious reasoning

Synonyms

  • 论— To discuss; to discourse
  • 争— To contend; to dispute
  • 说— To speak; to explain

Antonyms

  • 默— Silent; taciturn
  • 认— To admit; to acknowledge

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • They debated fiercely (激烈辩论).
  • The lawyer defended the client in court (法庭辩护).
  • He is good at argumentation (善于辩驳).
  • This requires careful discrimination (需要仔细辨析).

Collocations

  • Debate(辩论)
  • Defend/argue for(辩护)
  • Refute(辩驳)
  • Distinguish/analyze(辨析)
  • Argument(辩辞)
  • Sophistry/specious reasoning(诡辩)

Idioms

  • Able to argue with eloquence(能言善辩)
  • Sophistry that confuses right and wrong(辩口利辞)
  • Debate until clearly distinguished(辩才无碍)
  • Unarguable/indisputable(无可争辩)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, skilled debaters were highly valued, particularly during the Warring States period when persuading rulers was crucial.
  • The character reflects the importance of rhetoric and logical reasoning in Chinese philosophical and legal traditions.
  • It embodies the dialectical thinking found in Chinese philosophy, where opposing views are debated to reach truth.

FAQ