Definition
倍 (bèi) is the standard classifier for 'times' or '-fold', used freely after numbers (三倍, 增加两倍) to indicate multiplication; it is the go-to word for multipliers. 番 (fān) also can express 'times' but only in the fixed pattern 翻一∼ (to double) or 翻两∼ (to quadruple) — never with other numbers like three or five. For simple multipliers, always use 倍.
classifier
times-fold (indicates multiplier after a number)
Easily confused
- 陪péilook-aliketo accompany, to keep (someone) company
- 被bèisound-alike(preposition) used to mark passive voice, placed before the doer (or directly before the verb if the doer is omitted)
- 赔péilook-aliketo compensate, to pay for damage or loss
- 背bèisound-aliketo memorize, to recite from memory
- 部bùlook-alike(classifier) for films, books, machines, etc.
- 背bèisound-alike(noun) back (of the body)
- 位wèilook-alike(classifier, polite) for people
- 北běisound-alikenorth
- 备bèisound-aliketo prepare; to equip
- 碑bēisound-alikestele; stone tablet; monument
Examples
- 倍。Zhège yuè shōurù bǐ shàng ge yuè zēngjiā le yí bèi.This month's income doubled compared to last month.
- 倍。Tā de gōngzī shì wǒ de sān bèi.His salary is three times mine.
- 倍。Xīn chē de sùdù bǐ jiù chē kuài liǎng bèi.The new car goes twice as fast as the old car.
Grammar
Browse more HSK 4 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.