Definition
遍 (biàn) is a classifier (measure word) that counts how many times an action is done completely from start to finish, like 'once' or 'twice'. It is not a word for 'everywhere' — that meaning belongs to separate words like 到处 (dàochù), 处处 (chùchù), and 遍地 (biàndì). Use 遍 only for the number of full repetitions of an action.
classifier
for the number of times an action is performed fully from start to finish'time(s)'
Easily confused
- 偏piānlook-alike(verb) to lean, to slant; to deviate from the intended line
- 变biànsound-aliketo change (intransitive)
- 编biānlook-aliketo weave, to plait (e.g., hair, baskets)
- 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)
- 篇piānlook-alike(classifier) for written items such as articles, essays, chapters, diary entries
- 辩biànsound-aliketo debate, to argue, to dispute
- 扁biǎnlook-alikeflat
Examples
- 遍。Qǐng zài shuō yí biàn.Please say it one more time (from start to finish).
- 遍。Wǒ kàn le yí biàn zhè běn shū.I read this book once (cover to cover).
- 遍。Tā chàng le liǎng biàn.She sang it twice (each time all the way through).
Grammar
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