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弊端 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
弊端bìduānmalpracticeHSK 7, n, rank #28679, Very Hard
弊端bìduānabuseHSK 7, n, rank #28679, Very Hard
弊端bìduāncorrupt practiceHSK 7, n, rank #28679, Very Hard
bìduān(bi4duan1) T4
  1. 1malpractice
  2. 2abuse
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March 24, 2026
弊端bìduān(bi4duan1)

弊端 (bì duān) refers to the negative aspects or pitfalls of a system, practice, or behavior, often highlighting corruption or malpractice. It is commonly used in discussions about governance, business practices, and social issues, emphasizing the need for reform or awareness of these detrimental practices.

Frequency#28679DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese society, discussions about 弊端 often relate to the government's efforts to combat corruption, especially in recent years. The term is frequently seen in media reports about anti-corruption campaigns.

Memory Tip

Think of '弊' (bì) as a 'bee' that causes trouble, buzzing around the '端' (duān) or edge of a problem. Imagine a bee buzzing around a corrupt business, causing all kinds of trouble. This imagery links the pronunciation to the idea of negative aspects or malpractice.

Meanings of 弊端

bìduān(bi4duan1)
1malpractice
2abuse
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 弊端

弊端Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#28679Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 弊端

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Podcast: 弊端

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AI Study Notes for 弊端

Quick Contrast

缺陷 (quēxiàn) refers to flaws or defects in something, focusing more on inherent shortcomings rather than negative practices or corruption; use 弊端 when emphasizing systemic issues or malpractice.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of '弊' (bì) as a 'bee' that causes trouble, buzzing around the '端' (duān) or edge of a problem. Imagine a bee buzzing around a corrupt business, causing all kinds of trouble. This imagery links the pronunciation to the idea of negative aspects or malpractice.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 弊端 with other similar terms that do not carry the same connotation of corruption. It is often used in formal contexts, such as reports or academic discussions. Common collocations include '减少弊端' (reduce malpractice) or '揭露弊端' (expose malpractice).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 弊端 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to governance and ethics, like 政治 (politics) and 腐败 (corruption). Students should focus on using it in context, especially when discussing social issues or reforms.

Cultural Note

In Chinese society, discussions about 弊端 often relate to the government's efforts to combat corruption, especially in recent years. The term is frequently seen in media reports about anti-corruption campaigns.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 弊端 in informal contexts where a simpler term would suffice. For example, saying '这个电影有很多弊端' (This movie has many malpractices) is incorrect; a better choice would be '缺点' (shortcomings).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 弊端

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Component Characters

detriment
14 strokes
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duānend
HSK 614 strokes
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Write 弊端

Practice writing 弊端 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 弊端

弊端 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

____远远大于那可能获得的收益。

The minuses far outweigh that possible gain.

Example Sentences for 弊端 (2)

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1
弊端远远大于那可能获得的收益。

bì duān yuǎn yuǎn dà yú nà kě néng huò dé de shōu yì。

The minuses far outweigh that possible gain.
2
这是我们身为女孩的弊端——男孩子们过得轻松。

zhè shì wǒ mén shēn wéi nǚ hái de bì duān—— —— nán hái zǐ mén guò dé qīng。

It's a penalty of us being girls — sons have an easy time.

Cultural Notes for 弊端

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese society, discussions about 弊端 often relate to the government's efforts to combat corruption, especially in recent years. The term is frequently seen in media reports about anti-corruption campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions about 弊端

You can say, '政府需要减少社会中的弊端' (The government needs to reduce the malpractices in society).