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March 24, 2026
俘fú(fu2)
The character 俘 (fú) means to capture or take someone prisoner, often used in a military context to refer specifically to a prisoner of war. It conveys the action of seizing an enemy combatant, which has implications of conflict and the aftermath of battles. In broader usage, it can also refer to someone held against their will in various situations.
Strokes9Radical亻Frequency#43682DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of taking prisoners has significant implications, especially during periods of war such as the Sino-Japanese War. The treatment of prisoners and the concept of honor and shame associated with capturing an enemy have deep cultural roots.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soldier (人) capturing another (俘) during a battle. The character 俘 combines the radical for 'person' (人) with a component that resembles 'to capture'. Picture the capture as a dramatic scene in a movie, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation 'fú'.
Meanings of 俘
fú(fu2)
1to take prisoner
2prisoner of war
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 俘
俘Simplified
9Strokes
亻Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#43682Frequency Rank
Podcast: 俘
Podcast: 俘
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AI Study Notes for 俘
Quick Contrast
俘 (fú) vs 捕 (bǔ) — use 俘 for prisoners of war or captives in a military context, while 捕 is more general for capturing or seizing any living thing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier (人) capturing another (俘) during a battle. The character 俘 combines the radical for 'person' (人) with a component that resembles 'to capture'. Picture the capture as a dramatic scene in a movie, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation 'fú'.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 俘 with similar-sounding words like 服 (fú), which means to serve or obey. It is used in formal contexts, particularly in military discussions, and should be avoided in casual conversation. Pay attention to the tone; this word is pronounced with a rising tone (second tone) in Mandarin.
HSK Study Tips
Though 俘 is not yet included in HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful to know as it connects to military terminology and actions. Students should focus on recognizing it in reading materials or discussions related to history or warfare, enhancing their comprehension of military-related contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of taking prisoners has significant implications, especially during periods of war such as the Sino-Japanese War. The treatment of prisoners and the concept of honor and shame associated with capturing an enemy have deep cultural roots.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 俘 with the word 服 (fú), leading to incorrect usage in contexts related to service or obedience. For example, using '俘' to say 'I serve my country' is incorrect; instead, say '我服从我的国家' (wǒ fúcóng wǒ de guójiā).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 俘
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Grammar Patterns of 俘
俘 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他根据被____囚犯提供的证据得出了这个结论。
He based his conclusions on the evidence given by the captured prisoners.
Example Sentences for 俘 (10)
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1
他根据被俘囚犯提供的证据得出了这个结论。
tā gēn jù bèi fú qiú fàn tí gōng de zhèng jù dé chū le zhè gè jié lùn。
He based his conclusions on the evidence given by the captured prisoners.
2
他的士兵袭击了瓜扎坦，擒获了一名俘虏。
tā de shì bīng xí jī le guā zā tǎn， ， qín huò le yī míng fú。
His men made a sortie to Guazatan and took a prisoner.
3
他还简单谈及了他被俘期间忍受的孤独。
tā huán jiǎn dān tán jí le tā bèi fú qī jiān rěn shòu de gū dú。
He also talked briefly about the isolation he endured while in captivity.
When he had killed the guard, the prisoner of war quickly dragged him into the bushes.
Cultural Notes for 俘
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, the concept of taking prisoners has significant implications, especially during periods of war such as the Sino-Japanese War. The treatment of prisoners and the concept of honor and shame associated with capturing an enemy have deep cultural roots.
