HSK 5
便
biàn
then
Structure
Condition/Cause + 便 + Result/Action
How it works
In HSK 5, '便' is a formal synonym for '就'. It is used in written Chinese to indicate that one action or situation follows another immediately or as a direct consequence. It often connects two clauses to show a logical result or chronological sequence.
Examples
既然你已经决定了，我便不再多说什么。
Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, wǒ biàn bùzài duōshuō shénme.
Since you have already decided, I will not say anything more.
太阳一出来，雾便散了。
Tàiyáng yī chūlái, wù biàn sàn le.
As soon as the sun came out, the fog dissipated.
如果明天天气好，我们便去郊外野餐。
Rúguǒ míngtiān tiānqì hǎo, wǒmen biàn qù jiāowài yěcān.
If the weather is good tomorrow, we will go for a picnic in the suburbs.
Common mistakes
Students often use '便' in casual daily conversation where '就' would be much more natural and appropriate.
Tip
Think of '便' as the 'literary version' of '就'. Whenever you see '就' used as 'then' in a textbook, try replacing it with '便' to make your writing sound more professional or formal.
More HSK 5 grammar
See 便 in real Chinese
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