bèn
[ʔɓɛn˨˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adverb) and so one does something; then; thereupon
Register: formal
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
(particle) then
Register: formal
Examples
乃習文章Then he studied literature and writing.
卞習文章。Then he studied literature and writing.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Register: formal
Examples
爰命撰訓迪之辭凡十條Thereupon, [he] ordered the compilation of the instructive statements which totaled 10 clauses.
卞遣撰蒸𠳒𠰺保凡𱑕條Thereupon, [he] ordered the compilation of the instructive statements which totaled 10 clauses.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Register: formal
Examples
遂因賤妾、密寄遙情。Therefore, through a lowly concubine, he secretly conveyed his distant affections.
卞因妾閑、冉改𢚸賒。Therefore, through a lowly concubine, he secretly conveyed his distant affections.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “bèn” mean?
(adverb) and so one does something; then; thereupon
Is “bèn” formal or informal?
bèn is generally formal.