Chinese word

备选

Pronunciation

Pinyinbèi xuǎn

Meaning

  • adjectivealternate

Example

他没有来，我联系了一个备选人选。tā méi yǒu lái wǒ lián xì le yí gè bèi xuǎn rén xuǎn

He did not come, so I contacted an alternate candidate.

Illustration for 备选 (alternate)

More examples

这只是备选方案，最后以老板决定为准。zhè zhǐ shì bèi xuǎn fāng àn zuì hòu yǐ láo bǎn jué dìng wéi zhǔn

This is only an alternate plan, and the final decision rests with the boss.

Core concept

A prepared option waiting beside the leading choice, ready to take its place or be weighed against it.

Common phrases

  • 备选方案bèi xuǎn fāng àn

    alternate plan

  • 备选人选bèi xuǎn rén xuǎn

    alternate candidate

  • 作为备选zuò wéi bèi xuǎn

    as an alternative

Similar words

备用bèi yòng: Describing a person, item, or supply saved for use if the usual one is unavailable.
候补hòu bǔ: Describing a person or item kept ready to fill a vacant place or cover a shortage.
替补tì bǔ: Describing a person ready to take the place of someone normally playing or carrying out a role.

Definition in Chinese

作为候补可以被选择的人或方案，通常预先列出以便替换或比较。zuò wéi hòu bǔ ké yǐ bèi xuǎn zé de rén huò fāng àn tōng cháng yù xiān liè chū yǐ biàn tì huàn huò bǐ jiào

Word origin

The compound 备 (bèi, "prepare") + 选 (xuǎn, "choose") combines preparation with selection, giving a word for an option made ready before it is needed.

Usage tips

  • A person described this way is not necessarily less qualified; the word highlights readiness to replace the first choice if needed.

Other meanings

  • backupadjective
  • alternativeadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 备选方案bèi xuǎn fāng ànalternate plannoun
  • 备选人选bèi xuǎn rén xuǎnalternate candidatenoun

Word lists with this word