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March 24, 2026
蜉fú(fu2)
The character 蜉 (fú) refers to a type of insect, commonly known as a wasp or mayfly. It can also denote other large insects such as dragonflies or large ants, and is often used in literary contexts to evoke nature or fleeting moments, given the short lifespan of these creatures.
Strokes13Radical虫Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, insects like the mayfly symbolize the ephemeral nature of life, often referenced in poetry and art. The fleeting existence of these insects can be a metaphor for youth and beauty.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'fly' buzzing around a 'fu' (fú) that sounds like 'flee'. The character 蜉 has a radical for 'insect' (虫) on the bottom, reminding you it's related to insects. Picture a wasp that flits about quickly, embodying the transient nature of life.
Meanings of 蜉
fú(fu2)
1wasp; mayfly; large ant
2(dragon fly)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 蜉
蜉Simplified
13Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蜉
Podcast: 蜉
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AI Study Notes for 蜉
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'fly' buzzing around a 'fu' (fú) that sounds like 'flee'. The character 蜉 has a radical for 'insect' (虫) on the bottom, reminding you it's related to insects. Picture a wasp that flits about quickly, embodying the transient nature of life.
Usage Notes
While 蜉 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it may appear in literary texts or discussions about nature. Learners should be cautious of confusing it with similar-sounding characters; context is crucial to understand its specific meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蜉 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, its components can help students recognize insect-related terms. Focus on the insect radical (虫) and related vocabulary to strengthen your understanding of this category.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, insects like the mayfly symbolize the ephemeral nature of life, often referenced in poetry and art. The fleeting existence of these insects can be a metaphor for youth and beauty.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蜉 with similar insect characters like 蚊 (wén, meaning mosquito). It's important to remember that 蜉 specifically refers to larger insects like wasps or mayflies.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蜉
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Cultural Notes for 蜉
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, insects like the mayfly symbolize the ephemeral nature of life, often referenced in poetry and art. The fleeting existence of these insects can be a metaphor for youth and beauty.
Word Family of 蜉
Words Containing This Character5
蜉蝣mayfly
蚍蜉撼树lit. an ant trying to shake a tree蚍蜉撼樹
蚍蜉撼大树fig. to overrate one's own strength蚍蜉撼大樹
蚍蜉a type of large ant
蜉fú(wasp)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蜉蝣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蜉
蜉 (fú) translates to wasp or mayfly, and can also refer to other large insects.
No, 蜉 is more often found in literary contexts rather than in daily speech.
You can connect 'fú' to the sound of a 'fly' and visualize it buzzing around.
