Meanings of 吩
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About 吩
Podcast: 吩
Podcast: 吩
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AI Study Notes for 吩
指示 (zhǐshì) - use 吩 (fēn) when emphasizing formal commands from authority, while 指示 (zhǐshì) is more about giving instructions without the same hierarchical implication.
Be careful to use 吩 in contexts that involve authority or formal instructions; using it in casual conversations may come off as overly commanding. Common collocations include 吩咐 (fēnfu, to instruct) and 吩令 (fēnlìng, to order). Remember that the tone should be clear and assertive.
Though 吩 is not part of the official HSK levels, it connects with HSK 4 vocabulary like 命令 (mìnglìng, to command) and 教导 (jiàodǎo, to teach). Focus on practicing its usage in sentences that involve giving or receiving instructions.
Learners often confuse 吩 with more casual terms like 叫 (jiào, to call) or 告诉 (gàosù, to tell), which are less authoritative. For instance, saying 吩我去买东西 (fēn wǒ qù mǎi dōngxi) is incorrect; instead, use 吩咐我去买东西 (fēnfu wǒ qù mǎi dōngxi).
Pronunciation of 吩
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Jason Explains 吩 to You
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How Well Do You Know 吩?
Learning Lab
Knowing 吩 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 吩
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 分 represents the sound.
mouth
Origin
吩 = 口 + 分. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 吩
Parts
Which of these is part of 吩?
How to say leave instructions in Chinese
“leave instructions” in Chinese is吩
The character 吩 (fēn) means to leave instructions or to command someone to do something. It is commonly used in formal contexts where authority is exercised, such as in workplaces or hierarchical settings. This word implies a sense of direction or guidance given by someone in a position of power.
When to use 吩
Be careful to use 吩 in contexts that involve authority or formal instructions; using it in casual conversations may come off as overly commanding. Common collocations include 吩咐 (fēnfu, to instruct) and 吩令 (fēnlìng, to order). Remember that the tone should be clear and assertive.
吩 or something close to it
指示 (zhǐshì) - use 吩 (fēn) when emphasizing formal commands from authority, while 指示 (zhǐshì) is more about giving instructions without the same hierarchical implication.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 吩 with more casual terms like 叫 (jiào, to call) or 告诉 (gàosù, to tell), which are less authoritative. For instance, saying 吩我去买东西 (fēn wǒ qù mǎi dōngxi) is incorrect; instead, use 吩咐我去买东西 (fēnfu wǒ qù mǎi dōngxi).
Write 吩
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Practice writing 吩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 吩
吩 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
如果我可以效劳的话，敬请____咐。
If I can be of service, I am at your disposal.
Example Sentences for 吩 (5)
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Word Family of 吩
Words with 吩
What does 吩咐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 吩
Use 吩 when you want to emphasize authoritative instructions, particularly in formal or business contexts.
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