How to Write 批 (pī) — Meaning “to criticize; to approve; a batch”

Imagine your hand (扌) holding a pen and making a 'bǐ' (比) comparison on a document. Picture yourself writing a critical note next to two similar items, which helps you remember that 批 means both 'to criticize' and 'to approve'—like giving a thumbs up or down with your hand.

The stroke order is: 扌 (horizontal, vertical hook, lift), then 比 (horizontal, vertical lift, left-falling, horizontal, vertical hook). A common mistake is making the right side 比 too wide or uneven—keep it balanced, with the left part of 比 slightly narrower than the right part. Also, ensure the lift stroke in 扌 connects smoothly to the next part.

批 uses the radical 扌 with 比 (bǐ), while 㧜 has a different right component and is rarely used in modern Chinese. 扑 (pū) means 'to rush at' or 'to pat' and has a different pronunciation and meaning. Visually, 批 has seven strokes with a balanced right side, while 扑 is simpler with only five strokes and a right side that looks like 卜.

批 is very common in daily and formal contexts. 批评 (pī píng) means 'to criticize' or 'criticism,' used for pointing out faults, while 批准 (pī zhǔn) means 'to approve' or 'authorize,' often for official permissions. 一批 (yī pī) refers to a batch or group of items, like 'a batch of goods.' Culturally, receiving 批评 is seen as constructive in education but can be sensitive in public.

Common words containing 批 include: 批评 (pī píng) — to criticize; criticism; 批准 (pī zhǔn) — to approve; to ratify; to authorize; 一批 (yī pī) — a batch; a group.