Definition
编 (biān) is a broad verb that can mean to weave, edit, compile, or make up — it's the general word for these actions. Its siblings are more specific: 编织 for weaving/knitting, 编辑 for editing/revision, 编写 for writing/compiling texts, and 编造 for fabricating falsehoods.
verb
to weaveto plait (e.g., hair, baskets)to editto compileto compose (e.g., a book, a textbook)to fabricateto make up (e.g., a story, an excuse)
Easily confused
- 偏piānlook-alike(verb) to lean, to slant; to deviate from the intended line
- 变biànsound-aliketo change (intransitive)
- 遍biànlook-alike(classifier) for the number of times an action is performed fully from start to finish; 'time(s)'
- 边biānsound-alikeside; edge; border; margin
- 骗piànlook-aliketo cheat, to deceive, to swindle
- 便biànsound-alikethen; in that case (indicating a natural consequence or immediate response)
- 扁biǎnlook-alikeflat
- 辩biànsound-aliketo debate, to argue, to dispute
- 篇piānlook-alike(classifier) for written items such as articles, essays, chapters, diary entries
Examples
- 编。Tā zhèngzài biān yí gè lánzi.She is weaving a basket.
- 编。Zhè wèi lǎoshī biān le yì běn jiàocái.This teacher compiled a textbook.
- 编，。Bié biān jièkǒu le, shuō shíhuà ba.Don't make up excuses — tell the truth.
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