Meanings of 翡
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About 翡
Podcast: 翡
Podcast: 翡
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AI Study Notes for 翡
翡翠 (fěicuì, jadeite) is a specific type of jade, while 翡 (fěi) refers to the kingfisher bird and its color; use 翡 when discussing the bird or its vibrant plumage.
This character is not commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more suitable for literary or poetic contexts. Be cautious with tone; the correct pronunciation is 'fěi' with a falling-rising tone, which can be confused with 'fēi' (to fly).
While 翡 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other words related to colors and nature at higher levels. Focus on recognizing the character's components and practicing its pronunciation to enhance your vocabulary base.
Learners often confuse 翡 with similar-sounding characters like 非 (fēi), which means 'not.' For example, saying '我喜欢翡' would be incorrect if you're trying to say 'I like jade'; it should be '我喜欢玉' (yù) instead.
Pronunciation of 翡
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Etymology of 翡
Phonosemantic compound. 羽 represents the meaning and 非 represents the sound.
plume
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 翡
Phonosemantic compound. 羽 represents the meaning and 非 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half羽 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half非 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayplume
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 翡? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 翡
Identify the Components
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How to say kingfisher; jade, emerald in Chinese
“kingfisher; jade, emerald” in Chinese is翡
The character 翡 (fěi) primarily refers to the kingfisher bird, known for its vibrant plumage. In a broader context, it also signifies jade or emerald, particularly the green variety, which is highly valued in Chinese culture for its beauty and symbolism of purity and nobility.
When to use 翡
This character is not commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more suitable for literary or poetic contexts. Be cautious with tone; the correct pronunciation is 'fěi' with a falling-rising tone, which can be confused with 'fēi' (to fly).
翡 or something close to it
翡翠 (fěicuì, jadeite) is a specific type of jade, while 翡 (fěi) refers to the kingfisher bird and its color; use 翡 when discussing the bird or its vibrant plumage.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 翡 with similar-sounding characters like 非 (fēi), which means 'not.' For example, saying '我喜欢翡' would be incorrect if you're trying to say 'I like jade'; it should be '我喜欢玉' (yù) instead.
Write 翡
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Practice writing 翡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 翡
Compound Meaning
What does 翡翠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 翡
It means kingfisher or jade, particularly green jade.
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