How to Write 庇 (bì) — Meaning “to shield; to protect”

Picture a wide roof (广) shielding two people standing next to each other (比) from rain. The roof gives them protection, just like 庇 means 'to shield' or 'to protect.'

Start with the radical 广: dot, then left-falling horizontal stroke that extends over the right side. Then write the 比 part (two 匕 side by side) under the roof — make sure the 比 is compact and stays within the shelter area, not too wide or low.

平 (píng) means 'flat' or 'level' and looks completely different; it is not related. 庀 (pǐ) looks similar but has only one 匕 inside 广, while 庇 has two 匕 (比). Meaning-wise, 庇 is 'protect,' while 庀 is a rare word meaning 'to prepare' or 'to put in order.'

庇 appears in formal or legal contexts such as 庇护 (to shelter, give asylum) and 包庇 (to cover up wrongdoing). In Chinese folk culture, gods or ancestors are said to 庇佑 (bless and protect) people, so the character carries a sense of benevolent protection.

Common words containing 庇 include: 庇护 (bì hù) — to shelter; to give asylum; 庇佑 (bì yòu) — to bless and protect; 包庇 (bāo bì) — to shield; to cover up (misdeeds).