pián

胼

Character · AdjectiveTraditional便

cheap; comfortable; eloquent

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

3 senses · 5 examples
1.

adjective

cheap; inexpensive

literary

Used primarily in literary or formal written language. In modern spoken language, "便宜" (pián yi) is much more common.

Wù物
jià价
dī低
lián廉
 ，
mín民
dé得
pián便
ān安
 。

With low prices for goods, the people enjoy comfort and peace.

Cǐ此
wù物
shèn甚
pián便
 。

This item is very cheap.

2.

adjective

comfortable; at ease

archaic

This is an archaic meaning. It often appears in classical texts or idioms.

Bǎi百
xìng姓
jiē皆
dé得
pián便
níng宁
 。

All the people can live in comfort and tranquility.

Chù处
pián便
ān安
zhī之
dì地
 。

To live in a place of comfort and peace.

3.

adjective

eloquent; glib of tongue

literary

This sense is often pejorative, describing someone who is slick or manipulative with words. Found in classical texts and the modern phrase '大腹便便'.

Fú夫
shì士
 ，
biàn辩
ér而
bù不
pián便
 。

A scholar should be discerning in argument, not just glib.