憋

• Pinyin: biē
• Hanzi breakdown: 憋 = 敝 (worn/tattered) + 心 (heart, feeling suppressed)

Meaning

To hold back; to suppress; to stifle. As an adjective, feeling stifled or suffocated.

Describes physically holding in breath, urine, or other bodily needs, as well as emotionally suppressing feelings like anger or frustration. Often implies discomfort from restraint.

Examples

1. 他憋了一口气潜入水中。 He held his breath and dove into the water.
2. 有话就说出来，别憋在心里。 If you have something to say, say it—don’t bottle it up.
3. 这房间太小了，让人感觉很憋闷。 This room is too small; it feels stifling.

Usage Guide

Context: physical sensation, emotions, daily life

Tone: colloquial

Do Say

• 他憋着一肚子火没处发。(He is holding back a belly full of anger with nowhere to vent.)
• 游泳时要学会憋气。(When swimming you need to learn to hold your breath.)

Don't Say

• 我憋着高兴 — 憋 implies suppressing negative feelings or physical urges, not positive emotions

Origin & History

憋 = 敝 (worn out) + 心 (heart) — suppressed emotions

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal