便

• Pinyin: biàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 便 = 亻(person) + 更, convenient/then

Meaning

Then; in that case; as soon as. A literary conjunction/adverb indicating sequence or consequence.

As an adverb, indicates that something happens immediately or naturally as a consequence. More literary and formal than 就. Often used in written Chinese or formal speech. Creates a sense of smooth, logical flow between actions or conditions.

Examples

1. 他一听到这个消息，便立刻赶往医院。 As soon as he heard the news, he immediately rushed to the hospital.
2. 既然你不愿意去，我便一个人去好了。 Since you don't want to go, I'll just go by myself then.
3. 事情既然已经发生，后悔便没有用了。 Since it has already happened, regret is useless.

Usage Guide

Context: written, literary, formal speech

Tone: elegant

Do Say

• 你若同意，我们便开始吧。(If you agree, then let's begin.)
• 天一亮，他便出门了。(As soon as it was light, he went out.)

Don't Say

• 日常口语中不要过度使用'便' (In everyday speech, don't overuse 便 — it sounds too literary; use 就 instead)

Origin & History

Originally meant convenient or easy; extended to mean 'then' or 'therefore' as a logical connector in classical Chinese, preserved in modern formal usage.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated