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便 (biàn) — then; in that case (indicating a natural consequence or immediate response); as soon as (used in the 一…便… construction)

Definition

便 (biàn) is a formal, written adverb meaning 'then / as soon as' in 一…便… constructions, often interchangeable with 就 but more literary. Don't confuse with 方便 (convenient) or 随便 (casual).

adverb
thenin that case (indicating a natural consequence or immediate response)as soon as (used in the 一…便… construction)
Easily confused

Examples

  • ，便。
    Tā yì tīng zhè ge xiāo xi, biàn gāo xìng dé tiào le qǐ lái.
    As soon as he heard the news, he jumped for joy.
  • ，便。
    Rú guǒ nǐ míng tiān yǒu kòng, wǒ biàn qù zhǎo nǐ.
    If you are free tomorrow, I will come to see you.
  • 便。
    Tā chī wán fàn biàn qù tú shū guǎn le.
    He went to the library right after finishing his meal.

Origin

Compound ideograph
六书liùshū
会意huìyì

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

便 pairs 亻 (person) with 更 (to change), showing a person changing posture to become comfortable.

Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 5HSK 2.0 Level 52000 Most Frequent Chinese Words3000 Most Frequent Chinese Words5000 Most Frequent Chinese Words

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