Definition
别 (bié) has two main uses: (1) as an imperative 'don't' – it's more conversational than 不要 (bù yào), which is stronger and more direct; (2) as a bound form meaning 'other, another' (e.g., 别人), while 另 (lìng) and 另外 (lìng wài) are free words used before measure words or as adverbs.
adverb
don't (used before verbs to form negative imperatives)otheranother (bound form, e.g. 别人, 别处)
Easily confused
- 拐guǎilook-aliketo turn (a corner)
- 憋biēsound-aliketo hold (one's breath); to hold back (urine)
Examples
- ！bié shuōhuà!Don't talk!
- 别，。bié zǒu, děng yíxià.Don't go, wait a moment.
- 。bié rén dōu lái le.The others have all come.
Grammar
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