běi

north

HSK 3

漢字分解

Meaning and Usage

The character primarily means "north" and is used to indicate direction or location. It is commonly found in place names (e.g., 北京 Beijing) and in everyday directions.

Common Collocations

  • 北方 (běifāng): northern region
  • (běifēng): north wind
  • (wǎng běi): go north

Usage Notes

is a straightforward directional word and is often used in both formal and informal contexts. When giving directions, usually appears with verbs like (walk/go) or (towards). It can also describe weather phenomena like (north wind).

Common Confusion

Don't confuse with (nán, south), (dōng, east), or 西 (xī, west). Each character specifies a different cardinal direction and is used similarly in phrases and place names.

例文

北京是中国的首都,位于中国的北方。

Běijīng shì Zhōngguó de shǒudū, wèiyú Zhōngguó de běifāng.

Beijing is the capital of China, located in the north of China.

请往北走,车站就在前面。

Qǐng wǎng běi zǒu, chēzhàn jiù zài qiánmiàn.

Please go north, the station is just ahead.

北风很大,出门要穿暖和一点。

Běifēng hěn dà, chūmén yào chuān nuǎnhuo yīdiǎn.

The north wind is strong, you should dress warmly when going out.