How to Write 陛 (bì) — Meaning “steps to the throne”

Imagine a hill (阝) with a person standing on earth (土) holding a spoon (匕) to climb the steps to the throne. The right side 坒 looks like earth (土) above a spoon (匕), helping you recall the sound bì.

Write the left radical 阝 first: a curve then a vertical line. Then write the right part: first the 土 (top) with three strokes, then the 匕 (bottom) with two strokes. Make the left part narrow and the right part wider to keep the character balanced.

邮 (yóu) has the radical 阝 on the right and means post or mail, while 邯 (hán) has 阝 on the left but a different right part (甘). Only 陛 has the right part 坒 and specifically refers to throne steps, used in formal terms like 陛下.

This character appears almost only in the word 陛下 (bì xià), meaning "Your Majesty" – a respectful title for an emperor or monarch. It comes from the ancient custom of addressing a ruler from below the throne steps, showing humility, and is still used in historical dramas or formal contexts.

Common words containing 陛 include: 陛下 (bì xià) — Your Majesty; 阶陛 (jiē bì) — steps to a throne; 升陛 (shēng bì) — to ascend the throne; to go up the steps.