Meanings of 閥
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 閥
Podcast: 閥
Podcast: 閥
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 閥
阀 (valve) refers specifically to a mechanical device for controlling fluid flow, while 閥 (fá) emphasizes the social or political aspect of an influential group.
Be careful not to confuse 閥 (fá) with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This term is more formal and is commonly used in political discourse. Common collocations include '权力閥' (quánlì fá), meaning 'power clique.'
Although 閥 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, its character structure can be helpful for understanding other characters related to governance and power. Focus on recognizing this character's use in contexts discussing political or social hierarchies.
Learners often confuse 閥 (fá) with 阀 (tuó), which means 'valve' in a mechanical sense. Always remember that 閥 relates to social power, whereas 阀 refers to a physical device.
Pronunciation of 閥
Drill the tone of 閥 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 閥
gate
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 閥
- 1The meaning half門 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half伐 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaygate
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 閥? 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
What type of character formation is 閥?
Decomposition of 閥
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 閥?
How to say clique, valve; a powerful and influential group in Chinese
“clique, valve; a powerful and influential group” in Chinese is閥
The character 閥 (fá) primarily refers to a powerful and influential group or clique, often in a political context. It can also denote a valve, particularly in mechanical or engineering contexts. The nuance of the word suggests exclusivity and control, typically in the context of social or political dynamics.
When to use 閥
Be careful not to confuse 閥 (fá) with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This term is more formal and is commonly used in political discourse. Common collocations include '权力閥' (quánlì fá), meaning 'power clique.'
閥 or something close to it
阀 (valve) refers specifically to a mechanical device for controlling fluid flow, while 閥 (fá) emphasizes the social or political aspect of an influential group.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 閥 (fá) with 阀 (tuó), which means 'valve' in a mechanical sense. Always remember that 閥 relates to social power, whereas 阀 refers to a physical device.
Write 閥
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 閥 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 閥
Compound Meaning
What does 阀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 閥
In a political context, 閥 refers to a powerful and influential group that holds significant sway over decisions and policies.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 閥?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.