unknown, 18 strokes, radical 玉, rank #34701, Very Hard
bì(bi4) T4
1a jade annulus
2jade annulus
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March 24, 2026
璧bì(bi4)
The character 璧 (bì) refers specifically to a type of jade annulus, which is a circular, disc-shaped object traditionally made from jade. In historical contexts, it is often associated with rituals and symbolizes purity and nobility in Chinese culture. This object is not only a decorative piece but also holds significant cultural and historical importance.
Strokes18Radical玉Frequency#34701DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the 璧 was not just an ornament but was used in ceremonial contexts, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. It is often mentioned in Confucian texts as a representation of moral integrity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'big' (bì sounds like 'big') round jade ring that glistens like a precious gem. You can picture a beautiful setting where this jade annulus is displayed on a pedestal, representing wealth and status in ancient China.
Meanings of 璧
bì(bi4)
1a jade annulus
2jade annulus
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 璧
璧Simplified
18Strokes
玉Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 璧
Podcast: 璧
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AI Study Notes for 璧
Usage Notes
When using 璧, be aware that it is a more formal term, often found in literary or historical contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with other jade-related terms, such as 玉 (yù, jade) or 珠 (zhū, pearl). Make sure to use the correct context when discussing jade artifacts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 璧 is not part of the HSK levels, it connects well to HSK 5 vocabulary related to culture and artifacts. Students should focus on its historical significance and how it fits into discussions about Chinese heritage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 璧 with similar characters like 玉 (yù) or 珠 (zhū), which refer to different types of jade and pearls respectively. Remember that 璧 specifically refers to a jade annulus and not just any jade object.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 璧
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Phonosemantic compound. 玉 represents the meaning and 辟 represents the sound.
1The meaning half玉 carries the sense.
2The sound half辟 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayjade
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 璧? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 璧?
Decomposition of 璧
IDS Structure⿱辟玉
璧Full Character
=
辟bi4
top
玉yu4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 璧?
How to say a jade annulus in Chinese
“a jade annulus” in Chinese is璧bì
The character 璧 (bì) refers specifically to a type of jade annulus, which is a circular, disc-shaped object traditionally made from jade. In historical contexts, it is often associated with rituals and symbolizes purity and nobility in Chinese culture. This object is not only a decorative piece but also holds significant cultural and historical importance.
When to use 璧
When using 璧, be aware that it is a more formal term, often found in literary or historical contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with other jade-related terms, such as 玉 (yù, jade) or 珠 (zhū, pearl). Make sure to use the correct context when discussing jade artifacts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 璧 with similar characters like 玉 (yù) or 珠 (zhū), which refer to different types of jade and pearls respectively. Remember that 璧 specifically refers to a jade annulus and not just any jade object.
Write 璧
璧
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Practice writing 璧 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Word Family of 璧
Words Containing This Character14
璧bìjade annulus
完璧归赵lit. to return the jade annulus to Zhao (idiom); fig. to return something intact to its rightful owner完璧歸趙
珠联璧合perfect pair珠聯璧合
中西合璧harmonious combination of Chinese and Western elements (idiom)
合璧to match harmoniously
璧山Bishan suburban county in Chongqing municipality, formerly in Sichuan
灵璧Lingbi county in Suzhou 宿州[Sùzhōu], Anhui靈璧
璧山县Bishan suburban county in Chongqing municipality, formerly in Sichuan璧山縣
灵璧县Lingbi county in Suzhou 宿州[Sùzhōu], Anhui靈璧縣
怀璧其罪fig. A person's talent will arouse the envy of others.懷璧其罪
璧玉jade disk with a hole in the center
白璧无瑕impeccable moral integrity白璧無瑕
白璧微瑕a slight blemish
拱璧fig. a treasure
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 璧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 璧
A 璧 is a jade annulus, a circular disc made from jade, historically used in rituals and as a symbol of status.
You can say: '这块璧是古代的宗教器物' which means 'This piece of jade annulus is an ancient religious artifact.'
It is used primarily in historical or cultural discussions rather than in everyday conversation.
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