How to Write 屏 (bǐng/píng) — Meaning “Screen; shield.”

Imagine a person (尸) standing behind a folding screen (屏风) that combines two panels (并). The shape of 并 looks like two vertical panels attached to the body, helping you remember it means 'screen' or 'shield'.

Start with the left radical 尸: horizontal fold, then a short horizontal stroke, then a diagonal downward left stroke. Then write 并 on the right: dot, left-slanting stroke, two horizontals, and a final vertical stroke. A common mistake is making the 尸 part too wide or confusing the bottom of 并 with the radical of 尿.

屏 (bǐng) means 'screen' or 'shield' and contains 尸 plus 并 (combine). 尾 (wěi, tail) has 尸 plus 毛 (hair), indicating a furry tail. 尿 (niào, urine) has 尸 plus 水 (water), referring to liquid waste. Their meanings are completely unrelated, and the lower parts are visually distinct.

屏 appears in common words like 屏幕 (screen, as on a phone or computer), 屏风 (decorative folding screen used in traditional Chinese homes), and 屏息 (to hold one's breath). Culturally, 屏风 is an important piece of furniture in Chinese interiors, often painted with landscapes or calligraphy for both privacy and art.

Common words containing 屏 include: 屏幕 (píng mù) — Screen (monitor).; 屏风 (píng fēng) — Folding screen.; 屏息 (bǐng xī) — To hold one's breath..