辈

• Pinyin: bèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 辈 = 非 (not, phonetic) + 车 (vehicle)

Meaning

Generation; lifetime; peer group. A measure word for generations or groups of people of the same age or seniority.

Used in 辈分 (generational rank in family), 长辈 (elders), 晚辈 (younger generation), 同辈 (peers), and 一辈子 (a lifetime). Important in Chinese family hierarchy and social relationships.

Examples

1. 在中国家庭里，辈分观念还是很重要的。 In Chinese families, the concept of generational ranking is still very important.
2. 他这辈子最大的遗憾就是没能完成大学学业。 His biggest regret in life is not being able to complete his university education.
3. 作为长辈，我有责任给年轻人一些建议。 As an elder, I have the responsibility to give young people some advice.

Usage Guide

Context: family, social hierarchy, life

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 他是我们这辈人里最成功的。(He's the most successful among our generation.)
• 要尊重长辈。(Respect your elders.)

Don't Say

• 对年龄相近的陌生人说'你是我的长辈'——辈分通常用于家族关系 (Don't call a stranger your 长辈 just because they're older — 辈分 typically refers to family hierarchy)

Origin & History

The character combines 非 (not, phonetic) with 车 (vehicle), but the etymology is unclear. Used for generations since ancient times.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal