Introduction
Plan and pian are two words that are often confused with each other. While plan is an English word that means a detailed proposal for achieving a goal or objective, pian is a Chinese word that has a different meaning altogether. In this article, we will explore what pian means and how it is used in Chinese culture.
What is Pian?
Pian (偏) is a Chinese character that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. The most common meaning of pian is 'to deviate' or 'to be biased'. For example, if someone has a biased opinion about something, you could say that they are pian. Pian can also mean 'to lean' or 'to incline', as in the case of a leaning tower or a tilted picture frame.
Usage of Pian in Chinese Culture
Pian is a versatile character that is used in a variety of contexts in Chinese culture. It is often used in idiomatic expressions to convey a certain meaning or sentiment. For example, the phrase 'pian pian xin' (偏偏心) means 'to be deliberately contrary' or 'to do something just to be difficult'. Another common phrase that uses pian is 'pian yin' (偏颇), which means 'biased' or 'prejudiced'.
In addition to its usage in idiomatic expressions, pian is also used in everyday conversation to describe things that are not quite straight or level. For example, if a table is slightly tilted, you could say that it is pian. Similarly, if a person's handwriting is slanted, you could say that it is pian.
Conclusion
While plan and pian may sound similar, they have very different meanings. Plan is an English word that refers to a detailed proposal for achieving a goal or objective, while pian is a Chinese character that can mean 'to deviate', 'to lean', or 'to incline'. In Chinese culture, pian is used in a variety of contexts, from idiomatic expressions to everyday conversation. Understanding the meaning and usage of pian can help you better understand and appreciate Chinese language and culture.