Definition
辩 (biàn) is a formal, often written verb meaning 'to argue, debate, or dispute' — it focuses on reasoned argument rather than emotional quarreling. It is the root of many compounds like 辩论 (formal debate) and 辩护 (legal defense), but can stand alone in literary or academic contexts. For everyday emotional quarrels, use 争吵 (zhēngchǎo); for a structured debate, use 辩论 (biànlùn).
verb
to debateto argueto dispute
Easily confused
- 宰zǎilook-aliketo slaughter, to butcher (an animal)
- 变biànsound-aliketo change (intransitive)
- 辣làlook-alikespicy, hot (of food)
- 遍biànsound-alike(classifier) for the number of times an action is performed fully from start to finish; 'time(s)'
- 边biānsound-alikeside; edge; border; margin
- 便biànsound-alikethen; in that case (indicating a natural consequence or immediate response)
- 编biānsound-aliketo weave, to plait (e.g., hair, baskets)
- 扁biǎnsound-alikeflat
Examples
- 辩，。Tāmen biàn le zhěngzhěng yí gè xiàwǔ, háishì méiyǒu jiéguǒ.They argued for an entire afternoon and still had no result.
- 辩，。Tā xǐhuan gēn rén biàn, dàn cóng bú jìchóu.He likes to argue with people but never holds a grudge.
- 辩，。Tā biàn de miànhóng'ěrchì, yě bù kěn rènshū.She argued until she was red in the face and still wouldn't admit defeat.
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