卑怯 (bēi qiè) is an adjective meaning 'cowardly' or 'craven' — describing someone who lacks courage, especially in the face of moral duty or danger, and often acts with shame or self-abasement. The first character 卑 (bēi) means 'low', 'humble', or 'base', suggesting low moral standing or degraded self-worth; the second character 怯 (qiè) means 'timid' or 'fearful'. Together, they form a compound that conveys not just fear, but a morally compromised timidity — fear that leads to betrayal, evasion, or dishonorable behavior.

This word carries strong negative judgment and is commonly used in literary, historical, or critical contexts — for example, when condemning someone who abandons principles under pressure or betrays others out of fear. It’s more formal and weighty than everyday words like 害怕 (hàipà, 'to be afraid') or 胆小 (dǎnxiǎo, 'timid'), and appears frequently in essays, political discourse, or classical-inspired writing.