How to Write 毗 (pí) — Meaning “Adjacent; to border”

Imagine two fields (田) side by side, and you are comparing (比) their boundaries. The left side is a field, and the right side is the comparison symbol, so think 'field comparison' to mean neighboring lands.

A common mistake is making the left 田 too wide or the right 比 too tall. Keep the left 田 narrow and balanced, and ensure the right 比 sits at the same height. Also write the strokes of 比 in the correct order: left-falling stroke first, then a vertical bend hook.

毗 (pí) is left-right: 田 next to 比, meaning adjacent. 㲋 is an extremely rare character not used in modern Chinese. 毖 (bì) is a top-bottom structure with 比 on top and 必 below, and means 'cautious' or 'careful' — completely different in meaning and shape.

毗 appears in formal or written words like 毗邻 (pí lín, neighboring) and 毗连 (pí lián, adjacent). It is often used in geography or official descriptions of borders, such as 'This city is 毗邻 the national park'. It is not common in everyday conversation.

Common words containing 毗 include: 毗邻 (pí lín) — Adjacent; neighboring; 毗连 (pí lián) — Adjacent; connected; 毗助 (pí zhù) — To assist; to help.