批评

• Pinyin: pī píng
• Hanzi breakdown: 批 = 扌(hand) + 比 (compare), to annotate or strike; 评 = 讠(speech) + 平 (level/fair), to judge or comment

Meaning

To criticise; criticism. Expressing disapproval or pointing out faults.

Used as both a verb and a noun. Common in education (老师批评学生 = the teacher criticised the student), work, and everyday life. In Chinese culture, 批评 from authority figures like teachers or parents is generally seen as a form of care, not hostility. The compound 批评与自我批评 (criticism and self-criticism) has political connotations from Mao-era practices.

Examples

1. 老师批评了他上课说话。 The teacher criticised him for talking in class.
2. 她不怕被人批评，坚持自己的想法。 She is not afraid of being criticised and sticks to her own ideas.
3. 我们应该接受别人的批评，这样才能进步。 We should accept criticism from others — that is how we can improve.

Usage Guide

Context: education, work, interpersonal

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 老师经常批评迟到的学生。(The teacher often criticises students who are late.)
• 善意的批评可以帮助我们成长。(Well-intentioned criticism can help us grow.)

Don't Say

• 我批评这道菜不好吃。(Don't use 批评 for commenting on food quality — 批评 is directed at people or their behaviour. Say 我觉得这道菜不好吃.)

Origin & History

批 = 扌(hand) + 比 (compare), to strike or comment with comparison; 评 = 讠(speech) + 平 (level/fair), to speak fairly or judge. Together: to comment and judge — to criticise.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal