pīpíng: 批评 - To Criticize, Criticism

• Keywords: 批评, piping, pīpíng, how to criticize in Chinese, Chinese criticism, giving feedback in Chinese, meaning of piping, 批评 vs 评论, Chinese workplace criticism, constructive criticism in Chinese, HSK 4 vocabulary.
• Summary: Learn the deep meaning of 批评 (pīpíng), the essential Chinese word for criticism. This comprehensive guide explores how 批评 is used in modern China, from formal workplace feedback and teacher's corrections to parental advice. Understand the crucial cultural nuances of giving and receiving criticism in Chinese to avoid common misunderstandings and build better relationships. We cover everything from its character breakdown to practical examples, helping you master this key HSK 4 term.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): pīpíng
• Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To criticize or pass judgment on a fault or mistake; criticism.
• In a Nutshell: `批评 (pīpíng)` is a formal and serious term for pointing out someone's errors, almost always from a position of authority (like a boss, teacher, or parent). Unlike the English “criticism,” which can feel like a personal attack, `批评` is often seen as a necessary, corrective action done for the person's own good or for the good of the group. The feeling is less “you're a bad person” and more “you've made a mistake that must be corrected.”

• 批 (pī): This character is composed of the “hand” radical (扌) on the left and 比 (bǐ) on the right. Its core meaning relates to commenting on, annotating, or passing judgment, as in批改 (pīgǎi) - to correct homework. The hand radical suggests taking action or making a mark.
• 评 (píng): This character features the “speech” radical (讠) on the left and 平 (píng) on the right. It means to comment, to evaluate, or to appraise.
• The two characters combine to create a powerful term: using words (评) to pass an authoritative judgment (批) on someone's actions or work.

In Chinese culture, `批评` is deeply embedded in hierarchical relationships and the concept of collective improvement. It is a tool used by superiors to educate and guide their subordinates.

• Comparison to Western “Feedback”: In many Western cultures, especially in the US, direct criticism is often softened or “sandwiched” between praise to avoid hurting feelings. The goal is often a two-way dialogue. `批评`, in contrast, is traditionally a one-way communication from a person of higher status to one of lower status. It is expected, and often accepted without argument, as part of the learning process. A boss who doesn't `批评` an employee's mistakes might be seen as neglectful, not “nice.”
• Related Values: This practice is tied to Confucian values of respecting elders and authority. The person offering the `批评` is seen as fulfilling their responsibility to teach and correct. The person receiving it is expected to show humility, listen, and learn from the correction to improve themselves and better contribute to the family, company, or society. It's fundamentally about maintaining standards and order.

`批评` is a common word but is reserved for specific, generally formal or serious situations.

• In the Workplace: A manager 批评 (pīpíng) an employee for being late, missing a deadline, or making a significant error in a report. This is a standard and expected part of management.
• In Education: A teacher 批评 (pīpíng) a student for cheating, not doing homework, or disrupting the class. This is seen as a core part of a teacher's duty.
• In the Family: Parents 批评 (pīpíng) their children to discipline them and teach them proper behavior.
• Self-Criticism: The term `自我批评 (zìwǒ pīpíng)` means “self-criticism” and is a significant concept, particularly in formal or political settings, where individuals are expected to reflect on and admit their own shortcomings.
• Formality: It's a formal word. You would not use `批评` for light, casual feedback between friends. For that, you would use `建议 (jiànyì)` (to suggest) or simply state your `意见 (yìjiàn)` (opinion).

• Example 1:
  • 因为报告里有很多错误，老板批评了我。
  • Pinyin: Yīnwèi bàogào lǐ yǒu hěnduō cuòwù, lǎobǎn pīpíng le wǒ.
  • English: Because there were many mistakes in the report, the boss criticized me.
  • Analysis: This is a classic, neutral use of `批评` in a workplace context. It simply states a fact without strong negative emotion.
• Example 2:
  • 老师批评学生上课不认真听讲。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī pīpíng xuéshēng shàngkè bù rènzhēn tīngjiǎng.
  • English: The teacher criticized the student for not paying attention in class.
  • Analysis: Here, `批评` is used to describe a teacher's corrective action. It's an expected part of the teacher-student dynamic.
• Example 3:
  • 他接受了大家的批评，并表示会改正。
  • Pinyin: Tā jiēshòu le dàjiā de pīpíng, bìng biǎoshì huì gǎizhèng.
  • English: He accepted everyone's criticism and said he would make corrections.
  • Analysis: This shows `批评` used as a noun. It highlights the culturally valued response: accepting criticism and promising to improve.
• Example 4:
  • 你不应该害怕批评，这是帮助你进步的。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bù yīnggāi hàipà pīpíng, zhè shì bāngzhù nǐ jìnbù de.
  • English: You shouldn't be afraid of criticism; it's to help you improve.
  • Analysis: This sentence perfectly captures the cultural philosophy behind `批评`—that its ultimate purpose is constructive.
• Example 5:
  • 这次会议的主要内容是自我批评。
  • Pinyin: Zhè cì huìyì de zhǔyào nèiróng shì zìwǒ pīpíng.
  • English: The main content of this meeting is self-criticism.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the important compound word `自我批评 (zìwǒ pīpíng)`, often used in formal group or company meetings.
• Example 6:
  • 他的爸爸很少表扬他，总是批评他。
  • Pinyin: Tā de bàba hěn shǎo biǎoyáng tā, zǒng shì pīpíng tā.
  • English: His father rarely praises him, he always criticizes him.
  • Analysis: This sentence contrasts `批评` with its direct antonym, `表扬 (biǎoyáng)` (to praise).
• Example 7:
  • 我只是提个建议，不是批评你。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhǐshì tí ge jiànyì, bùshì pīpíng nǐ.
  • English: I'm just making a suggestion, not criticizing you.
  • Analysis: This is a crucial sentence for learners, as it explicitly distinguishes the soft `建议 (jiànyì)` from the hard `批评`. Used to soften the delivery of feedback.
• Example 8:
  • 建设性的批评对公司发展很重要。
  • Pinyin: Jiànshèxìng de pīpíng duì gōngsī fāzhǎn hěn zhòngyào.
  • English: Constructive criticism is very important for the company's development.
  • Analysis: This shows how to specify “constructive criticism” by adding `建设性的 (jiànshèxìng de)`.
• Example 9:
  • 对于不公正的批评，我们有权反驳。
  • Pinyin: Duìyú bù gōngzhèng de pīpíng, wǒmen yǒu quán fǎnbó.
  • English: We have the right to refute unfair criticism.
  • Analysis: While accepting criticism is valued, this shows that one can also push back if the `批评` is perceived as unfair (`不公正的`).
• Example 10:
  • 他因为一点小事就被经理批评了一顿。
  • Pinyin: Tā yīnwèi yīdiǎn xiǎoshì jiù bèi jīnglǐ pīpíng le yī dùn.
  • English: He was given a dressing-down by the manager over a trivial matter.
  • Analysis: The measure word `一顿 (yí dùn)` adds a sense of severity, like “a round of” or “a bout of” criticism, often implying a verbal lashing or scolding.

• False Friend: “Criticize” vs. `批评`

A common mistake is to use `批评` exactly like the English “criticize.” While they overlap, `批评` has a stronger connotation of authority and correction. You wouldn't say a film critic `批评` a movie; they would `评论 (pínglùn)` (review, comment on) it. Using `批评` for a movie review sounds like the critic has some official power over the director.

• Common Mistake: Using `批评` with friends.

Do not use `批评` to give casual advice to a peer or friend. It will sound arrogant and harsh, as if you are placing yourself in a superior position.

• Incorrect: 我批评你的新发型不好看。(Wǒ pīpíng nǐ de xīn fàxíng bù hǎokàn.) - This sounds like a boss reprimanding an employee for their hair.
• Correct: 我觉得你的新发型不太适合你。(Wǒ juéde nǐ de xīn fàxíng bù tài shìhé nǐ.) - “I feel your new hairstyle doesn't really suit you.”
• Correct: 我建议你下次可以试试别的发型。(Wǒ jiànyì nǐ xià cì kěyǐ shìshi bié de fàxíng.) - “I suggest you could try a different hairstyle next time.”

• 表扬 (biǎoyáng) - To praise. The direct antonym of `批评`.
• 评论 (pínglùn) - To comment on, to review. A more neutral term for expressing an opinion on things like art, books, or news events. It lacks the top-down authority of `批评`.
• 建议 (jiànyì) - To suggest, suggestion. A soft, friendly, and constructive way to give advice among peers.
• 意见 (yìjiàn) - Opinion, view. A neutral way to offer your thoughts. You can “have an opinion” (`有意见`) or “give an opinion” (`提意见`).
• 指责 (zhǐzé) - To accuse, to blame. Much stronger and more negative than `批评`. It implies finding fault and holding someone morally or legally accountable.
• 教育 (jiàoyù) - To educate. Colloquially, “to be educated” by someone (`被教育了`) can be a euphemism for being told off or lectured, similar to receiving `批评`.
• 自我批评 (zìwǒ pīpíng) - Self-criticism. A specific and important application of the term.