unknown, 14 strokes, radical 虫, rank #51539, Very Hard
蜚
fēi
cockroach
v, 14 strokes, radical 虫, rank #51539, Very Hard
蜚
fēi
gad-fly
unknown, 14 strokes, radical 虫, rank #51539, Very Hard
fēi(fei1)
primary
T1
1cockroach
2gad-fly
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March 24, 2026
蜚fēi(fei1)
The character 蜚 (fēi) primarily refers to a type of insect, specifically a cockroach or gad-fly. It encompasses the notion of pests or insects that are often seen as annoying or undesirable, commonly used in discussions about cleanliness or pest control.
Strokes14Radical虫Frequency#51539DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness and hygiene are highly valued, and pests like cockroaches symbolize dirtiness. The fear of these insects is reflected in conversations about home maintenance and urban living.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cockroach flying (the character has the component for 'insect' 蜚) and causing chaos in your kitchen. The sound 'fēi' can be remembered by associating it with the word 'fly,' as these insects are often seen buzzing around, making them hard to catch.
Meanings of 蜚
fēi(fei1)
primary
1cockroach
2gad-fly
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 蜚
蜚Simplified
14Strokes
虫Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蜚
Podcast: 蜚
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AI Study Notes for 蜚
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cockroach flying (the character has the component for 'insect' 蜚) and causing chaos in your kitchen. The sound 'fēi' can be remembered by associating it with the word 'fly,' as these insects are often seen buzzing around, making them hard to catch.
Usage Notes
This term is relatively informal and is often used in discussions around pests. A common mistake is using it in a formal context; instead, use more general terms when speaking formally about insects. Be mindful of pronunciation, as using the wrong tone can change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蜚 is not a standard HSK word, it can be linked to other HSK vocabulary regarding animals and nature. Focus on the radicals for insects (虫) to recognize similar characters and expand your vocabulary concerning pests and animals.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness and hygiene are highly valued, and pests like cockroaches symbolize dirtiness. The fear of these insects is reflected in conversations about home maintenance and urban living.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蜚 with similar sounding characters like 飞 (fēi), which means 'to fly.' For example, saying 蜚 can mean 'to fly' is incorrect; instead, remember it refers to a type of insect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蜚
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Grammar Patterns of 蜚
蜚 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 2 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.
In his lonely meditations Antony had been forced to the conclusion that there had been rumours.
Cultural Notes for 蜚
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, cleanliness and hygiene are highly valued, and pests like cockroaches symbolize dirtiness. The fear of these insects is reflected in conversations about home maintenance and urban living.
Word Family of 蜚
Words Containing This Character6
流言蜚语lies and slanders流言蜚語
蜚声to make a name蜚聲
蜚fēigad-fly
蜚蠊cockroach
蜚声海外famous at home and abroad蜚聲海外
蜚短流长to spread malicious gossip蜚短流長
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 流言蜚语 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蜚
蜚 specifically refers to cockroaches or gad-flies, while other characters may refer to different types of insects.
No, 蜚 is generally used in informal contexts, especially when discussing pests or insects.