Pictographic: A sea shell, once used as currencyRadical:

meaning for bèi:

  • - cowrie
  • - shellfish
  • - currency (archaic)treasured object
  • - treasure
  • - darling
  • - baby
  • - cowry
  • - good-for-nothing or queer characterNobel Prizeshellfish
  • - mollusksshell
  • - conch
  • - cowry
  • - mother of pearl
  • - hard outer skin
  • - also pr. [bei4 qiao4]copy
  • - to copy (loanword)