Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
阀(閥)fá(fa2)
The character 阀 (fá) primarily refers to a powerful group or clique, often used in political contexts to describe factions within larger organizations. It can also mean 'valve' in mechanical terms, indicating its usage in engineering and technology. Understanding this character helps in recognizing dynamics of influence and authority in social and professional settings.
Strokes9Radical门Frequency#14094DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese politics, the concept of 阀 often reflects historical power struggles, where different factions vie for influence, reminiscent of the 'Warring States' period. This character encapsulates the complexities of authority and governance in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Think of 阀 (fá) as a 'faction' that controls the flow of power, similar to a valve that controls the flow of liquid. The top part of the character (阜) looks like a mountain, symbolizing the elevated status of those in power, while the bottom (刀) resembles a knife, signifying the sharp influence they wield.
Meanings of 阀
fá(fa2)
1clique, valve; a powerful and influential group
2powerful individual, family or group
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 阀
阀Simplified
閥Traditional
9Strokes
门Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 阀
Podcast: 阀
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 阀
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 阀 (fá) as a 'faction' that controls the flow of power, similar to a valve that controls the flow of liquid. The top part of the character (阜) looks like a mountain, symbolizing the elevated status of those in power, while the bottom (刀) resembles a knife, signifying the sharp influence they wield.
Usage Notes
When using 阀, be cautious about context; it often carries a negative connotation of division or manipulation. Common collocations include '权阀' (quán fá - power clique) and '利益阀' (lì yì fá - interests group). Avoid confusion with similar-sounding words and ensure correct tone to maintain clarity.
HSK Study Tips
While 阀 is not included in HSK levels, understanding it can enhance vocabulary related to social dynamics and politics, which is useful for learners at higher levels. Students should focus on its usage in context to grasp its nuances fully.
Cultural Note
In Chinese politics, the concept of 阀 often reflects historical power struggles, where different factions vie for influence, reminiscent of the 'Warring States' period. This character encapsulates the complexities of authority and governance in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 阀 with 阷 (fá) or similar characters, leading to incorrect usage. For instance, saying '这个阷很强' instead of '这个阀很强' is incorrect; remember that 阀 specifically refers to a clique or valve.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 阀
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 阀 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 阀 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 阀
阀 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). It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
进气____卡住了，关不上。
The intake valve was jammed open.
Example Sentences for 阀 (4)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
进气阀卡住了，关不上。
jìn qì fá kǎ zhù le， ， guān bù。
The intake valve was jammed open.
2
注样阀应无需润滑, 阀内要无 “ 死 ” 角.
zhù yàng fá yīng wú xū rùn huá, , fá nèi yào“ wú” “.
The valve should require no lubrication, and contain no " dead " volumes.
3
他换掉了坏阀门。
tā huàn diào le huài fá mén。
He replaced a dud valve.
4
锤击和标准阀杆耦合设计可用.
chuí jī hé biāo zhǔn fá gān ǒu hé shè jì kě yòng.
Hammer blow and standard valve stem coupling designs available.
Cultural Notes for 阀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese politics, the concept of 阀 often reflects historical power struggles, where different factions vie for influence, reminiscent of the 'Warring States' period. This character encapsulates the complexities of authority and governance in Chinese society.
Word Family of 阀
Words Containing This Character10
阀fáclique閥
阀门fáménvalve (mechanical)閥門
军阀junta軍閥
安全阀safety valve安全閥
财阀plutocracy財閥
门阀rich and powerful family門閥
北洋军阀the Northern Warlords (1912-1927)北洋軍閥
节流阀a throttle節流閥
奉系军阀Fengtian clique (of northern warlords)奉系軍閥
皖系军阀Anhui faction of Northern Warlords 1911-c.1929皖系軍閥
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 阀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 阀
In addition to its political meaning, 阀 can refer to a valve in engineering, indicating its versatility in both social and technical discussions.
You can say '这个政党的阀很强' (zhège zhèngdǎng de fá hěn qiáng) meaning 'This political party has a strong clique.'
It's not commonly used in casual conversation and is more prevalent in academic or political discussions.
