别

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bié: 别 - Don't, Other, To Separate

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: bie, bié, 别, don't in Chinese, how to say other in Chinese, Chinese grammar 別, difference between bie and bu, to separate in Chinese, Chinese imperative, HSK 1 grammar, negative commands Chinese.
  • Summary: Discover the power of 别 (bié), one of the most essential characters for any beginner learning Chinese. This versatile word is primarily used to mean “don't,” forming simple commands and polite requests. However, it also means “other” or “another,” and is a key component in words related to “separating” or “difference.” Mastering 别 (bié) is a fundamental step to speaking natural, everyday Chinese, from giving simple instructions to expressing care and navigating social situations.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): bié (but see Nuances for an alternative pronunciation)
  • Part of Speech: Adverb, Adjective, Verb
  • HSK Level: HSK 1
  • Concise Definition: A multi-functional word used to mean “don't,” “other/another,” or “to separate/leave.”
  • In a Nutshell: For beginners, the most important function of 别 (bié) is as a negative imperative, just like “don't” in English. You place it before a verb to tell someone not to do something (e.g., 别说话 - bié shuōhuà - Don't talk). It's the go-to word for commands, advice, and polite requests. Beyond this, it's also used to talk about “other” things and is found in many words related to separation and distinction. Context almost always makes the meaning clear.

Character Breakdown

  • The character 别 (bié) is a compound character that tells a story.
  • 另 (lìng): This component, on the left, means “another” or “separate.”
  • 刂 (dāo): The component on the right is the “knife” radical.
  • Meaning Combination: The character literally depicts using a knife (刂) to divide something, creating a “separate” or “another” (另) piece. This original meaning of “to separate” or “to distinguish” is the root of all its modern uses. The idea of “don't” is an extension of this: you are “separating” yourself from a potential action.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • While 别 (bié) can be used for direct commands, it's frequently used in Chinese culture to express consideration and maintain social harmony. It's much more than just a blunt “don't.”
  • Comparison to “Don't”: In English, starting a sentence with “Don't…” can often sound forceful or even rude without a careful tone of voice. In Chinese, using 别 (bié) is a very common way to show care and concern. For example, telling a friend who is sick `别担心 (bié dānxīn)` (“Don't worry”) is a soft, comforting expression. Similarly, telling a guest `别客气 (bié kèqi)` (“Don't be so polite”) is a classic phrase of hospitality, meant to make them feel comfortable and at ease.
  • This usage reflects a cultural emphasis on anticipating the needs of others and proactively offering reassurance. It's less about prohibition and more about showing you care about the other person's well-being or comfort.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • 别 (bié) is an everyday word used constantly in conversation, online, and in writing.

1. As "Don't" (Negative Imperative)

  • This is its most common function. The structure is simple: `别 + Verb (+ Object)`.
  • Formality: Neutral to informal. It's used with friends, family, and in general public situations (e.g., on signs).
  • Examples: `别动！ (Bié dòng!)` - “Don't move!”, `别忘了 (Bié wàng le)` - “Don't forget.”

2. As "Other / Another"

  • It functions as an adjective, usually in the pattern `别的 (bié de)`.
  • Examples: `别的国家 (bié de guójiā)` - “other countries,” `你有没有别的想法？(Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu bié de xiǎngfǎ?)` - “Do you have any other ideas?”

3. In Compound Words (Separation, Difference)

  • As a verb, “to separate,” it's rarely used alone. Instead, it forms essential compound words.
  • Examples: `分别 (fēnbié)` - to part ways, `告别 (gàobié)` - to bid farewell, `区别 (qūbié)` - a difference/distinction.

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 上课的时候别说话。
    • Pinyin: Shàngkè de shíhou bié shuōhuà.
    • English: Don't talk during class.
    • Analysis: A straightforward command or rule. This is a very common use of 别 that beginners will hear and use often.
  • Example 2:
    • 别客气，把这里当成自己家。
    • Pinyin: Bié kèqi, bǎ zhèlǐ dàngchéng zìjǐ jiā.
    • English: Don't be so polite, treat this place as your own home.
    • Analysis: A classic example of 别 used for hospitality. It's a warm, inviting phrase meant to make a guest feel comfortable.
  • Example 3:
    • 外面冷，别感冒了。
    • Pinyin: Wàimiàn lěng, bié gǎnmào le.
    • English: It's cold outside, don't catch a cold.
    • Analysis: Here, 别 is used to express care and concern for someone's well-being.
  • Example 4:
    • 这件我不喜欢，我们看看别的吧。
    • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn wǒ bù xǐhuān, wǒmen kànkan bié de ba.
    • English: I don't like this one, let's look at other ones.
    • Analysis: Demonstrates the adjectival use of 别 (in `别的`) to mean “other” or “another.”
  • Example 5:
    • 你还有别的问题吗？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ hái yǒu bié de wèntí ma?
    • English: Do you have any other questions?
    • Analysis: A very common and practical phrase in classrooms, meetings, or service situations. `别的` here means “any other” or “anything else.”
  • Example 6:
    • 他用一个发夹把刘海别了起来。
    • Pinyin: Tā yòng yīgè fàjiā bǎ liúhǎi bié le qǐlái.
    • English: She used a hairpin to pin up her bangs.
    • Analysis: This shows the less common verb meaning “to pin” or “to fasten.” Notice the pronunciation is the same 2nd tone here. This is a great example to know to avoid confusion.
  • Example 7:
    • 他们毕业后分别去了不同的城市。
    • Pinyin: Tāmen bìyè hòu fēnbié qùle bùtóng de chéngshì.
    • English: After graduating, they parted ways and went to different cities.
    • Analysis: 别 is part of the compound verb `分别 (fēnbié)`, which means “to separate” or “to part from each other.”
  • Example 8:
    • 我和他之间最大的区别是性格。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ hé tā zhījiān zuìdà de qūbié shì xìnggé.
    • English: The biggest difference between him and me is personality.
    • Analysis: Shows 别 in the common noun `区别 (qūbié)`, meaning “difference” or “distinction.”
  • Example 9:
    • 你别生气，他不是故意的。
    • Pinyin: Nǐ bié shēngqì, tā bùshì gùyì de.
    • English: Don't be angry, he didn't do it on purpose.
    • Analysis: A perfect example of using 别 to de-escalate a situation and soothe someone's feelings.
  • Example 10:
    • 这个人真别扭。
    • Pinyin: Zhège rén zhēn bièniu.
    • English: This person is really awkward/difficult.
    • Analysis: This introduces the very common word `别扭 (bièniu)`. Crucially, the pronunciation of 别 changes to the 4th tone, biè. This word describes a person who is difficult to get along with or a situation that feels uncomfortable.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • `别 (bié)` vs. `不 (bù)`: The Golden Rule. This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
    • 别 (bié) is an imperative. It tells someone not to do something. It implies a command, request, or advice.
      • Correct: `别去！` (Bié qù!) - Don't go! (A command to you)
    • 不 (bù) is a statement of fact. It negates a verb, describing what is not the case.
      • Correct: `我不去。` (Wǒ bù qù.) - I am not going. (A statement about my own plans)
    • Common Mistake: Saying `他不别去` or `他别去`. This is grammatically incorrect. To say “He isn't going,” you must use `不 (bù)`: `他不去 (Tā bù qù)`.
  • `别 (bié)` vs. `没有 (méiyǒu)`
    • Use 别 (bié) for present or future actions you want to prevent. (`别吃那个！` - Don't eat that!)
    • Use 没有 (méiyǒu) to negate an action that happened in the past. (`我昨天没有吃那个。` - I didn't eat that yesterday.)
    • Common Mistake: Using 别 for the past. `我昨天别去上班` is incorrect. It should be `我昨天没去上班`.
  • The Tone Change: `bié` vs. `biè`
    • Most of the time, it's the 2nd tone, bié.
    • It changes to the 4th tone, biè, in the very common word 别扭 (bièniu), meaning “awkward” or “uncomfortable.” Being aware of this will improve your listening comprehension.

Related Terms and Concepts

  • `不` (bù) - The general-purpose negator for facts and habits. The most important counterpart to `别`.
  • `不要` (búyào) - A slightly more emphatic way to say “don't.” Can also mean “don't want.” It's often interchangeable with `别`.
  • `没有` (méiyǒu) - The negator for past actions (“didn't”) and for possession (“don't have”).
  • `别的` (bié de) - A set phrase meaning “other,” “another,” or “else.”
  • `分别` (fēnbié) - (v.) To part, to separate; (adv.) respectively.
  • `区别` (qūbié) - (n.) A difference, a distinction.
  • `告别` (gàobié) - (v.) To say goodbye to, to bid farewell. A more formal act than just saying “bye.”
  • `特别` (tèbié) - (adj./adv.) Special, especially. While the meaning is different, it shares the character and the root idea of being “distinct” from others.
  • `别扭` (bièniu) - (adj.) Awkward, difficult, uncomfortable. Remember the tone change to `biè`