How to Write 坒 (bì) — Meaning “Steps; stairs (archaic).”

Imagine two people (比) standing side by side on a mound of earth (土), forming a set of steps. This visual of "comparing earth levels" helps link the components to the meaning of stairs.

Write the top part 比 first: left 匕 (stroke: short slash, left-falling, then vertical hook?), then right 匕. Then write 土 below: horizontal line, vertical line through the center, bottom horizontal. Keep the top 比 wider than the bottom 土, and center the bottom under the top.

坒 has 比 (two people) on top and 土 below, meaning steps. 圣 (shèng, holy) has 又 (hand) on top and 土 below. 圤 (pǔ, mound) has 土 on the left and 卜 (divination) on the right. The main visual difference is the top or left component.

坒 is archaic and rarely used today, appearing mainly in classical texts to describe palace steps. Its related word 坒下 (bì xià) is an old term for 'below the steps,' similar to the modern respectful address 陛下 (bì xià, Your Majesty), which originally referred to the area beneath the palace steps.

Common words containing 坒 include: 阶坒 (jiē bì) — steps to a palace; 坒侧 (bì cè) — Beside the steps.; 坒下 (bì xià) — Below the steps..