bề
[ʔɓe˨˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(noun) side, surface
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(noun) rank, social standing
Examples
bề trênsuperiors
Họ đều là khẩu Phật tâm xà, sẽ không tránh khỏi hình phạt của bề trên đã giao phó cho tôi thi hành, đó là một trận đại hồng thủy.They are all hypocrites and will not avoid the punishment those above me have me carry out: a great flood.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “bề” mean?
(noun) side, surface
Is “bề” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.