倍

• Reading: ばい
• Romaji: bai
• Kanji breakdown: 倍 (bai) — double, times, fold
• Pronunciation: /ba.i/

Meaning

Double; twice; -fold. A counter or suffix indicating multiplication.

Used with numbers to express multiples: 二倍 (nibai, twice/double), 三倍 (sanbai, triple), 十倍 (juubai, tenfold). Can function as a noun or suffix. Common in everyday comparisons about prices, quantities, or effort, as in この部屋は前の倍の広さだ (this room is double the size of the previous one).

Examples

1. 去年の倍の値段になりました。 The price has doubled compared to last year.
2. この部屋は前の部屋の二倍広いです。 This room is twice as big as the previous one.
3. 勉強時間を倍にしました。 I doubled my study time.

Usage Guide

Context: math, comparisons, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Chinese 倍 (bèi). The kanji combines 亻 (person radical) and 咅 (divide/distribute), suggesting a share that is doubled.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal