别人
Traditional: 別人
bié ren HSK 3

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

别人在说话。
Biéren zài shuōhuà.
Other people are talking.
不要问别人。
Búyào wèn biéren.
Don't ask other people.
别人帮助了我。
Biéren bāngzhù le wǒ.
Other people helped me.
别人帮助我。
Biéren bāngzhù wǒ.
Other people help me.
别人才知道。
Biéren cái zhīdào.
Only others know.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 别 (bié) means 'other' or 'don't,' and 人 (ren) means 'person.' Think of it as 'other persons'—people who are '别' from you. Associate it with common phrases like '别告诉别人' (Don't tell others) to reinforce its meaning.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, across formal and informal situations. It often appears in contexts involving privacy, advice, or general statements about social interactions, such as giving warnings or describing actions affecting others.

📖 Grammar Points

别人 can serve as a subject, object, or attributive in sentences. It is often used in negative imperatives or statements to indicate exclusion, e.g., '不要告诉别人' (Don't tell others). It contrasts with 自己 (zìjǐ, oneself) in patterns like '为自己,不为别人' (for oneself, not for others).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, using 别人 reflects a collectivist mindset, often emphasizing social harmony and consideration for others. It's common in phrases advising modesty or discretion, aligning with values of avoiding conflict and maintaining face.

🔄 Similar Words

他人 (tārén) also means 'others' but is slightly more formal and literary; 人家 (rénjia) can mean 'others' or refer to a specific person in a colloquial, sometimes indirect way, with nuances of intimacy or emphasis. 别人 is more everyday and general.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn 别人 in CILI →

Related Words