Comparing "bian" and "ci"

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Both 遍 (biàn) and 次 (cì) mean "time" or “times” as in “how many times” an action is done.

遍 (biàn) 词 (cì)
Meaningdoing an action all the way from the beginning to the endthe total number of times an action occurs
Part of Speechmeasure word measure word
Formalityformal and informalformal and informal

Similarities

Common Phrases

These phrases work with both 遍 AND 次:

  • 读过多~
  • 看过多~

Example Sentences

In the following sentences, 遍 AND 次 both can be used interchangeably:

Differences

Common Phrases

These phrases work ONLY with 遍:

  • 请再读一~
  • 请再说一~
  • 请再唱一~

These phrases work ONLY with 次:

  • 去一~北京
  • 去过几~?
  • 看过三~长城

Example Sentences

In the following sentences, ONLY 遍 can be used:

In the following sentences, ONLY 次 can be used: