What does 别 mean in Chinese?

别 (bié) means "to leave; to depart; to separate; to distinguish; to classify; other; another; don't ...!; to pin; to stick (sth) in" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 2.

How do you pronounce 别?

别 is pronounced "bié" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 2.

What HSK level is 别?

别 is an HSK 2 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 2 on both the old and the new exam.

What words contain the character 别?

Common words with 别 include 别人 (other people), 个别 (individual), 分别 (to part or leave each other), 久别 (a long period of separation), 作别 (to take one's leave).

How do you write 别?

别 has 7 strokes. Its radical is 刂. You can view the stroke order animation on our stroke order tool.

别 (bié), to leave

别

bié

to leave; to depart; to separate; to distinguish

HSK 2verb7 strokes

Traditional: 別

Character Breakdown

别 = 口 + 力 + 刂

A mouth and force with a blade — don't, separate

Radical: 刂 (no. 18)Strokes: 7Traditional: 別

View stroke order →

Definitions

(verb) to leave
to depart
to separate
to distinguish
to classify
other
another
don't ...!
to pin
to stick (sth) in

Example Sentences

别担心。

Bié dānxīn

Don't worry

Words Containing 别

Word	Pinyin	Meaning	HSK
别人	bié ren	other people	HSK 3
个别	gè bié	individual	HSK 5
分别	fēn bié	to part or leave each other	HSK 5
久别	jiǔ bié	a long period of separation

→

另(lìng)· other

→

不见不散(bù jiàn bù sàn)· (lit.) Even if we don't see each other, don't give up and leave (idiom)

→

不离不弃(bù lí bù qì)· to never leave each other

→

Grammar Notes

Progressive Aspect (正在/在...呢)HSK 2

Subject + 正在/在 + Verb (+ Object) + (呢)

Suggestion with 吧HSK 2

Statement/Suggestion + 吧

把 ConstructionHSK 3

Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + Complement/Result

Except/Besides (除了)HSK 3

除了 + A + (以外)，... 都/也/还 ...

Not Only...But AlsoHSK 3

Subject + 不但 + Clause 1，而且 + Clause 2

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 2
HSK 2.0: HSK 2
HSK Lord study list: HSK 1 list

别: HSK 2 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 2 exam

Studying for HSK 2? Keep 别 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 2 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.

别