Meaning of 比方
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- analogy; illustrative example
- for instance
How to use 比方
比方 works as a noun meaning an analogy, often with 打 (dǎ), as in 打个比方 (dǎ ge bǐfang) "to give an analogy." It can also introduce an example, much like 比如 (bǐrú). Example: 打个比方，学语言就像游泳。(Dǎ ge bǐfang, xué yǔyán jiù xiàng yóuyǒng.) "To put it another way, learning a language is like swimming."
比 (bǐ) means to compare, and 方 (fāng) here suggests a way or method. A 比方 is a way of comparing: you explain one thing by holding it up next to another.
Common mistake: Learners often say 做个比方 or 说个比方, but the natural collocation is 打个比方 (dǎ ge bǐfang). Also, 方 is usually read in the neutral tone here (bǐfang), not a full first tone.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
比 bǐ · to compare · 4 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
方 fāng · square · 4 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Related words
Words that share a character with 比方.
| 地方 | dìfang | region; regional (away from the central administration) |
| 方法 | fāngfǎ | method; way; technique; procedure |
| 方向 | fāngxiàng | direction; orientation |
| 方面 | fāngmiàn | respect; aspect |
| 比如 | bǐrú | for example; for instance; such as |
| 方便 | fāngbiàn | convenient; suitable; to facilitate; to make things easy |
| 比如说 | bǐrú shuō | for example |
| 南方 | nánfāng | south; southern direction; (in China) southern regions, often referring to areas south of |
| 北方 | běifāng | north; the northern part a country |
| 西方 | xīfāng | the West; the Occident |
| 东方 | dōngfāng | east |
| 方便面 | fāngbiànmiàn | instant noodles |
Questions about 比方
What does 比方 mean?
比方 (bǐfang) means "analogy; illustrative example; for instance" and is used as a noun and verb.
How do you write 比方?
比方 is made of 2 characters: 比 (4 strokes), 方 (4 strokes). That is 8 strokes in total.
Is 比方 an HSK word?
Yes. 比方 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 比方 and 比如?
Both can mean "for example," but 比如 (bǐrú) is more common for simply listing examples. 比方 leans toward making an analogy, especially in 打个比方. In 打个比方 you cannot swap in 比如.
Can 比方 mean "suppose" or "if"?
Yes, 比方说 (bǐfang shuō) can introduce a hypothetical case, similar to "say" in English. For example, 比方说你明天没空，怎么办？(Bǐfang shuō nǐ míngtiān méi kòng, zěnme bàn?) means "Say you are busy tomorrow, what then?"