lowly, base, vile, vulgar

About this kanji

The kanji 卑 primarily means "lowly" or "base," and it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting something vile or vulgar. This kanji is mainly used in nouns and adjectives. For example, 卑怯 (ひきょう) means "cowardly," suggesting a lack of bravery, while 卑劣 (ひれつ) translates to "mean," describing a despicable character. Another common word is 卑しい (いやしい), which refers to someone who is lowborn or of low status. A useful note is that this kanji often appears in contexts discussing morality or character, highlighting attitudes that are looked down upon in society.

Example sentences

• 卑しい行為は許されない。

  Base actions are not allowed.

Meanings across languages

English

lowly, base, vile, vulgar, despise

Tiếng Việt

hèn hạ, thấp kém

日本語

卑しい, 低い

한국어

비천한, 천한

中文

卑微, 低贱

id

rendah

th

ต่ำต้อย

es

bajo

fr

méprisable

de

niederträchtig

pt

baixinho

Common compounds

• 卑怯ひきょうcowardly, craven, unfair
• 卑劣ひれつmean, contemptible, despicable
• 卑しいいやしいlowborn, humble, lowly
• 卑下ひげself-abasement, self-depreciation, humility
• 卑屈ひくつservile, subservient, obsequious
• 男尊女卑だんそんじょひmale domination of women, male chauvinism, subjection of women
• 下卑げびvulgarity, coarseness, crudeness
• 尊卑そんぴhigh and low, aristocrat and plebeian