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比方 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
比方bǐfanganalogyHSK 6, n, rank #6456, Hard
比方bǐfanginstanceHSK 6, n, rank #6456, Hard
比方bǐfangfor instanceHSK 6, unknown, rank #6456, Hard
bǐfang(bi3fang5) T3
  1. 1analogy
  2. 2instance
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
比方bǐfang(bi3fang5)

比方 (bǐfāng) refers to an analogy or instance used to illustrate a point or idea. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to provide examples or comparisons that clarify complex concepts or arguments.

Frequency#6456DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese education, using 比方 is a common pedagogical technique where teachers illustrate concepts through relatable examples, bridging gaps in understanding.

Memory Tip

Think of 比 (bǐ) as 'to compare' and 方 (fāng) as 'square' or 'side.' Imagine a square drawing where each side represents a different analogy, helping to clarify the whole shape of the idea.

Meanings of 比方

bǐfang(bi3fang5)
1analogy
2instance
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 比方

比方Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6456Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 比方

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Podcast: 比方

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AI Study Notes for 比方

Quick Contrast

例子 (lìzi) vs 比喻 (bǐyù) — use 例子 for a specific example, while 比喻 refers to a metaphorical comparison.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 比 (bǐ) as 'to compare' and 方 (fāng) as 'square' or 'side.' Imagine a square drawing where each side represents a different analogy, helping to clarify the whole shape of the idea.

Usage Notes

When using 比方, it is typically followed by '来说' (lái shuō) to introduce an example. Be cautious with the tone; the third tone in 比 (bǐ) can sometimes be mispronounced, leading to confusion with other similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 比方 connects to concepts of comparison and explanation, which are essential at this level. Students should focus on using it in complex sentences to enhance their argumentative skills.

Cultural Note

In Chinese education, using 比方 is a common pedagogical technique where teachers illustrate concepts through relatable examples, bridging gaps in understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 比方 with 例如 (lìrú), which is also used for examples but is more formal. For instance, saying '我比方说...' instead of '我可以比方说...' (I can say for example...) is incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 比方

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Component Characters

to compare
HSK 24 strokes
View full entry
fāngsquare
HSK 54 strokes
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Write 比方

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

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Grammar Patterns of 比方

比方 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 4

Complete the Sentence

我当然不是,这不过是打个____。

Of course I'm not. It was just a figure of speech.

Example Sentences for 比方 (3)

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1
我当然不是,这不过是打个比方。

wǒ dāng rán bù shì, , zhè bù guò shì dǎ gè bǐ。

Of course I'm not. It was just a figure of speech.
2
比方说澳大利亚的宏大地下蓄水层就掩盖了整个国度的东半部.

bǐ fāng shuō ào dà lì yà de hóng dà dì xià xù shuǐ céng jiù yǎn gài le zhěng gè guó dù de dōng bàn bù.

Australias great aquifer covers the eastern half of the country, for instance.
3
这个比方有点驴唇不对马嘴.

zhè gè bǐ fāng yǒu diǎn lǘ chún bù duì mǎ zuǐ.

The analogy is rather farfetched.

Cultural Notes for 比方

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese education, using 比方 is a common pedagogical technique where teachers illustrate concepts through relatable examples, bridging gaps in understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions about 比方

You can say, '比方说,学习汉语和学习英语有很多相似之处。' (For instance, learning Chinese and learning English have many similarities.)