Common Meanings
1
biàn便
Smooth, without difficulty or obstruction; convenient; handy.
为了方便大家，这里设有自动取款机。
For everyone's convenience, there is an ATM available here.
Refers to something simple, informal, convenient, or casual. It can also imply acting appropriately based on circumstances.
你可以随便坐。
Please feel free to sit wherever you like.
When it is convenient; at one's convenience.
便中约个时间见面吧。
Let's arrange a time to meet when it's convenient.
Used to indicate an immediate consequence or action following a condition, similar to 'then' or 'as soon as'.
有了机会，便去尝试。
If there is an opportunity, then go and try it.
excrement; to defecate
他最近有点便秘。
He has been a bit constipated recently.
2
pián便
Used in the idiom 'dà fù pián pián' (大腹便便) to describe having a large, protruding belly; pot-bellied.
他虽然大腹便便，但身体依然很灵活。
Although he has a big belly, his body is still very agile.
Refers to something being inexpensive or cheap, as in 便宜 (piányi). It also means to take a small advantage or benefit at someone else's expense, as in 占便宜 (zhànpiányi).
买东西时，不要总想着占小便宜，质量更重要。
When shopping, don't always think about taking small advantages; quality is more important.
A favored or cherished person, especially one close to a powerful individual or leader, often in a historical context (from the term 便嬖, piánbì).
那位老师深受学生爱戴，却从不将任何学生视为便嬖。
That teacher was deeply loved and respected by students, but never treated any student as a favored one.
Glib-tongued and flattering; refers to someone skilled at using artful or insincere words to please others.
他不是一个便佞之人，从不说奉承话。
He is not a glib flatterer; he never says flattering words.