比
Belgium; Belgian; euphemistic variant of 屄[bi1]; to compare; (followed by a noun and adjective) more {adj.} than {noun}; ratio; to gesture; (Taiwan pr. [bi4] in some compounds derived from Classical Chinese)
Closest English meanings
compare·than·ratio
The Calligrapher — Mǐ Wànzhōng 米万钟
Ming calligrapher of vigorous running script, paired as 'North Mi'.
Ming calligrapher (), master of running script — known for 与董其昌并称. Ming dynasty
Cultural Story
比 shows two people side by side, 'to compare.' The 說文解字 says '密也', close together, and 比 also meant 'to ally, to join.' In the 詩經, 比 is one of the three poetic modes (比興賦) — metaphor set against metaphor. 論語 uses 比 to mean associating with others in friendship or in conduct.
Common words & phrases
- 比较 compare · comparison · relatively
- 比例 proportion · ratio · scale
- 比如 for example · for instance
- 比赛 competition · match · contest
- 对比 contrast · compare
Read the story behind the character
比 organizes modern judgment: we 比較 (compare) phone prices, worry about the 比例 (ratio) of rent to income, and say 比如 (for example) to clarify a point. Weekends bring a 比賽 (competition) on TV, and couples 對比 (contrast) apartments before signing. Life is a steady stream of measuring one thing against another.
Own this character
Purchase delivers the original SVG of this glyph, brushed by Mǐ Wànzhōng 米万钟, ready to place on skin, paper, or screen.