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March 24, 2026
弗fú(fu2)
The character 弗 (fú) is primarily used as a negative marker in classical Chinese and can denote the meaning 'not' or 'no.' It appears in certain formal contexts or literary texts, often conveying a sense of negation or absence, and is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Strokes5Radical弓Frequency#4131DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese poetry and literature, 弗 often appears in phrases that discuss philosophical concepts or moral teachings, reflecting the importance of negation in traditional Chinese thought.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large 'F' (for '弗') standing alone, like a lone figure saying 'no' to everything around it. The character has a strong visual presence, reinforcing its meaning of negation. Picture this 'F' pushing away something positive, emphasizing its negative connotation.
Meanings of 弗
fú(fu2)
1not, negative
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 弗 means.
About 弗
弗Simplified
5Strokes
弓Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 弗
Podcast: 弗
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AI Study Notes for 弗
Usage Notes
弗 is typically used in a formal or literary context, so avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler terms like 不 (bù) are more appropriate. Be mindful of tone; it’s important to pronounce it with a rising tone (fú) to maintain clarity.
HSK Study Tips
Although 弗 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, students should recognize it in classical texts and understand its negative connotation. Focus on distinguishing it from 不, which is much more common in modern Mandarin.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 弗 with 不 and use it incorrectly in conversation; for example, saying '我弗知道' instead of '我不知道' (I do not know). It's essential to use 不 in spoken language.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弗
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How Well Do You Know 弗?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 弗 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.
The character 弗 (fú) is primarily used as a negative marker in classical Chinese and can denote the meaning 'not' or 'no.' It appears in certain formal contexts or literary texts, often conveying a sense of negation or absence, and is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
When to use 弗
弗 is typically used in a formal or literary context, so avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler terms like 不 (bù) are more appropriate. Be mindful of tone; it’s important to pronounce it with a rising tone (fú) to maintain clarity.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 弗 with 不 and use it incorrectly in conversation; for example, saying '我弗知道' instead of '我不知道' (I do not know). It's essential to use 不 in spoken language.
Write 弗
弗
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Grammar Patterns of 弗
弗 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
“阿道____斯·克林，我以贩毒的罪名逮捕你。”——“什么？”
"Adolphus Kelling, I arrest you on a charge of trafficking in narcotics."—"What?"
