The Chinese word 别 (bié)

 The Chinese word 别 (bié) is a very versatile and common word with several distinct uses. Its primary functions are as an adverb expressing prohibition or advice (don't/do not), and as an adverb meaning "differently" or "separately." It can also sometimes function as an adjective or noun, but those are less common in everyday usage.

Let's break down its main uses:

---

I. As an Adverb: Prohibition / Advice (Don't / Do not)

This is the most common and important use of 别. It's used to tell someone not to do something, or to advise them against an action. It's often interchangeable with 不要 (bú yào), but 别 is generally more common in informal speech and can sometimes sound a bit softer or more direct depending on context and tone.

Structure: 别 + Verb

1. Direct Prohibition:

   • 别说话！ (Bié shuōhuà!)
     • Don't talk! / Stop talking!
   • 别走！ (Bié zǒu!)
     • Don't leave!
   • 别担心。 (Bié dānxīn.)
     • Don't worry.
   • 别忘了给我打电话。 (Bié wàng le gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.)
     • Don't forget to call me.

2. Advice/Suggestion (often implying "it's better not to"):

   • 你别去了，外面下雨了。 (Nǐ bié qù le, wàimiàn xià yǔ le.)
     • You'd better not go, it's raining outside.
   • 这种事，你别管。 (Zhè zhǒng shì, nǐ bié guǎn.)
     • Don't interfere in this kind of thing. (It's better if you don't.)
   • 太晚了，别看了。 (Tài wǎn le, bié kàn le.)
     • It's too late, don't watch (anymore).

3. With objects/complements:

   • 别碰我！ (Bié pèng wǒ!)
     • Don't touch me!
   • 别看电视了，该写作业了。 (Bié kàn diànshì le, gāi xiě zuòyè le.)
     • Don't watch TV anymore, it's time to do homework.

---

II. As an Adverb: Differently / Separately / Other (distinct from what's already mentioned)

This usage indicates a difference or separation from something that has already been discussed or implied. It often modifies verbs.

Structure: 别 + Verb (or sometimes 另 lìng is used similarly)

1. Doing something differently/elsewhere:

   • 我们换个地方，别在这儿说。 (Wǒmen huàn ge dìfang, bié zài zhèr shuō.)
     • Let's change places, don't talk here (let's talk elsewhere/differently).
   • 你别着急，慢慢来。 (Nǐ bié zháojí, mànmàn lái.)
     • Don't rush, take your time (do it differently/slowly).

2. Suggesting another option/person:

   • 你别哭了，想点别的办法。 (Nǐ bié kū le, xiǎng diǎn bié de bànfǎ.)
     • Don't cry anymore, think of some other way/method.
     • (Here, 别的 [bié de] acts as an adjective phrase meaning "other/different.")
   • 他别有用意。 (Tā bié yǒu yòngyì.)
     • He has other intentions / an ulterior motive. (This is a more set phrase.)

3. Referring to "other" people/things (often with 的 de):

   • 别人 (biérén) - other people
     • 别听别人的话。 (Bié tīng biérén de huà.)
       • Don't listen to other people's words.
   • 别的 (bié de) - other things/ones
     • 你还有别的选择吗？ (Nǐ hái yǒu bié de xuǎnzé ma?)
       • Do you have any other options?

---

III. Less Common Uses:

1. As an adjective (rare, meaning "distinctive" or "special"):

   • 别有风味 (bié yǒu fēngwèi) - to have a special/unique flavor (idiomatic)
   • 别出心裁 (bié chū xīncái) - to adopt an original approach; to try to be different (idiomatic)

2. As a noun (rare, meaning "difference" or "distinction"):

   • This usage is very formal and usually replaced by 区别 (qūbié) or 差别 (chābié).

---

Key Takeaways for Beginners:

• Most important: Use 别 to say "Don't" or to advise against something (e.g., 别走! - Don't leave!).
• Next most common: Use 别 de / 别人 to mean "other" (e.g., 别人 - other people; 别的 - other things).
• Context will usually make the meaning clear.

Practice using 别 in short, simple sentences, focusing on its prohibitory function first, as that is the most frequent and useful in daily conversation.