弊端

• Pinyin: bì duān
• Hanzi breakdown: 弊 = 敝 (worn out) + 廾 (hands); 端 = 立 (stand) + 山 + 而

Meaning

Malpractice; corrupt practice; harmful aspect; drawback.

Refers to harmful consequences or negative aspects of a system, policy, or practice. Similar to 弊病 but often emphasizes the harmful effects rather than just the flaw itself. Commonly used in formal critique and policy discussions.

Examples

1. 过度追求GDP增长的弊端正在逐渐显现。 The drawbacks of excessively pursuing GDP growth are gradually becoming apparent.
2. 任何政策都有可能产生意想不到的弊端。 Any policy may produce unexpected negative consequences.
3. 网络匿名的弊端之一是容易滋生网络暴力。 One of the downsides of online anonymity is that it easily breeds cyberbullying.

Usage Guide

Context: policy critique, analysis, academic discussion

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 这项政策的弊端很明显。(The drawbacks of this policy are obvious.)
• 我们不能忽视其中的弊端。(We can't ignore the harmful aspects.)

Don't Say

• 用'弊端'形容微不足道的缺点 (Don't use 弊端 for trivial shortcomings — it implies significant harm)

Origin & History

弊 (malpractice) + 端 (end/aspect). The negative end or aspect of something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal