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March 24, 2026
比喻bǐyù(bi3yu4)
比喻 (bǐyù) refers to a figure of speech that expresses an idea by likening it to something else, enhancing understanding through comparison. It is commonly used in literature, rhetoric, and everyday conversation to create vivid imagery or convey complex concepts succinctly.
Frequency#6594DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, 比喻 is a common device that enriches poetry and prose, reflecting the importance of metaphorical thinking in traditional Chinese philosophy. Classical texts often use 比喻 to convey deeper meanings and moral lessons.
Memory Tip
Think of 比 (bǐ) as 'to compare' and 喻 (yù) as 'to explain.' Picture a bridge (比) connecting two islands (the ideas being compared), allowing you to cross between them easily. This visual of bridging two concepts helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 比喻
bǐyù(bi3yu4)
1to compare
2to liken to
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 比喻
比喻Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6594Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 比喻
Podcast: 比喻
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AI Study Notes for 比喻
Quick Contrast
隐喻 (yǐnyù) - use 比喻 when referring to a general metaphorical expression, while 隐喻 specifically denotes an implied metaphor without direct comparison.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 比 (bǐ) as 'to compare' and 喻 (yù) as 'to explain.' Picture a bridge (比) connecting two islands (the ideas being compared), allowing you to cross between them easily. This visual of bridging two concepts helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 比喻 with similar terms like 比较 (bǐjiào), which means 'to compare' without the figurative connotation. 比喻 is more formal and often found in literary contexts. When using it, ensure that the context clearly supports a metaphorical interpretation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 比喻 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to literature and expression. Focus on its use in different contexts, especially in writing and speaking, to enhance your ability to express nuanced ideas.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, 比喻 is a common device that enriches poetry and prose, reflecting the importance of metaphorical thinking in traditional Chinese philosophy. Classical texts often use 比喻 to convey deeper meanings and moral lessons.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 比喻 in informal contexts where simpler terms would suffice, such as saying '我比喻他是个好人' instead of saying '我觉得他是个好人'. Make sure to use 比喻 in appropriate literary contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 比喻
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Grammar Patterns of 比喻
比喻 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 6 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 4
Complete the Sentence
批评家们可能会认为小说的核心____过于简单。
Critics may complain that the novel's central conceit is rather simplistic.
Example Sentences for 比喻 (3)
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1
批评家们可能会认为小说的核心比喻过于简单。
pī píng jiā mén kě néng huì rèn wéi xiǎo shuō de hé xīn bǐ yù guò yú jiǎn dān。
Critics may complain that the novel's central conceit is rather simplistic.
2
利维原来说的是一种比喻。
lì wéi yuán lái shuō de shì yī zhǒng bǐ yù。
It turns out Levy is talking in metaphorical terms.
3
在比喻的意义上,他把她关在牢里了.
zài bǐ yù de yì yì shàng, , tā bǎ tā guān zài láo lǐ.
He imprisoned her, in a figurative sense.
Cultural Notes for 比喻
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature, 比喻 is a common device that enriches poetry and prose, reflecting the importance of metaphorical thinking in traditional Chinese philosophy. Classical texts often use 比喻 to convey deeper meanings and moral lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions about 比喻
比喻 specifically refers to metaphorical comparisons, while 比较 (bǐjiào) is a more general term for comparison.
Yes, but it is usually more prevalent in literary or formal contexts.
Yes, 比喻 can be categorized into different types, such as 明喻 (míngyù) for similes and 隐喻 (yǐnyù) for implied metaphors.
