Understanding "比赛" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 比赛
• Pinyin: bǐ sài
• Literal Meaning: "Compare" (比) + "Contest" (赛) = "Compare in a contest"
• Primary Meaning: Competition, match, or game (a structured event where participants strive to win).

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"比赛" is a general term for any competitive event, from sports (e.g., basketball matches) to academic contests (e.g., debates). It emphasizes the act of competing rather than the outcome. Nuances:
- Neutral tone: Can refer to formal (Olympics) or informal (school races) competitions.
- Often paired with verbs like "参加" (join), "赢" (win), or "输" (lose).

Character Breakdown

• 比 (bǐ): To compare, compete.
• 赛 (sài): Contest, race. Together, they reinforce the idea of a measured competition.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我们学校明天有一场足球比赛。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen xuéxiào míngtiān yǒu yī chǎng zúqiú bǐsài.
   English: Our school will have a soccer match tomorrow.

2. Chinese: 她参加了钢琴比赛并获得第一名。
   Pinyin: Tā cānjiāle gāngqín bǐsài bìng huòdé dì yī míng.
   English: She joined the piano competition and won first place.

3. Chinese: 这场比赛太精彩了！
   Pinyin: Zhè chǎng bǐsài tài jīngcǎi le!
   English: This match is so exciting!

Cultural Notes

In China, "比赛" reflects the value of collective achievement and discipline. School competitions (e.g., math Olympiads) are highly encouraged. Traditional events like dragon boat races (龙舟比赛) blend sport and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

"比赛" (bǐsài) is a versatile word for any competitive event. Remember: 比 = compare, 赛 = contest. Use it for sports, exams, or even cooking battles!