批 (pī) — to approve (a document, application, etc.); to grade, to mark (homework, exam papers); to criticize, to rebuke
Definition
This verb splits into two very different meanings in context: 'to approve/grade' (e.g. 批文件, 批作业) vs 'to criticize/rebuke' (他被批了一顿). As criticism, 批判 is more formal and ideological; 批评 is everyday.
verb
to approve (a document, application, etc.)to gradeto mark (homework, exam papers)to criticizeto rebuke
Examples
- ，。Jīng lǐ zhèng zài pī wén jiàn, qǐng shāo děng.The manager is approving documents, please wait a moment.
- 批。Lǎo shī pī wán zuò yè jiù fā huí lái le.The teacher graded the homework and handed it back.
- 批。Tā yīn wèi gōng zuò shī wù bèi lǐng dǎo pī le yí dùn.He was criticized by the leader for a work mistake.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
批 puts 手 (hand) beside 比, which gives the sound.
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