北边

• Pinyin: běi bian
• Hanzi breakdown: 北 (north) + 边 (side) — the north side

Meaning

North side; to the north. Indicates the area or direction to the north of something.

A directional noun used to specify relative location. Follows the same pattern as other direction words: 南边 (south side), 东边 (east side), 西边 (west side). Often used after a reference point: 学校北边 (north of the school).

Examples

1. 北边有一个公园。 There is a park to the north.
2. 学校在我家北边。 The school is north of my home.
3. 他住在北边。 He lives in the north.

Usage Guide

Context: direction, location

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 医院在北边。(The hospital is to the north.)
• 北边比南边冷。(The north is colder than the south.)

Don't Say

• 在北边上 (Don't add 上 after 北边 — just say 在北边)

Origin & History

Compound of 北 (north) and 边 (side, edge). Together they specify the northern side or area of a location.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal