bì

赑

Character · AdjectiveTraditional贔

bixi (mythical tortoise); appearance of great strength

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 4 examples
1.

Definition

bixi; a mythical creature resembling a tortoise

literary

In classical Chinese mythology, 'Bixi' (赑屃) is one of the nine sons of the dragon, known for carrying heavy objects. It's often depicted as a stone tortoise-like beast carrying steles or monuments.

Shí石
bēi碑
de的
dǐ底
zuò座
diāo雕
kè刻
chéng成
bì赑
xì屃
de的
xíng形
zhuàng状
 。

The base of the stone monument is carved into the shape of a bixi.

Zhè这
zuò座
gǔ古
bēi碑
yóu由
yī一
zhī只
jù巨
dà大
de的
shí石
bì赑
xì屃
tuó驮
zhe着
 。

This ancient stele is carried by a giant stone bixi.

2.

adjective

appearance of great strength or force

archaic

Used in classical Chinese to describe something that looks powerful, sturdy, or heavily laden. Often seen in the set phrase '赑赑' or '赑然'.

 （
Gǔ古
wén文
 ）
Jù巨
áo鳌
bì赑
bì赑
 ，
fù负
shān山
ér而
yóu游
 。

(Classical text) The giant turtle, mighty and strong, carries a mountain as it swims.

Bì赑
rán然
dú独
lì立
 ，
qì气
shì势
xióng雄
hún浑
 。

Standing alone with a mighty and imposing presence.