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March 24, 2026
付fù(Fu4)
The character 付 (fù) primarily means 'to pay' or 'to hand over.' It is commonly used in financial contexts, such as making payments for goods or services. Additionally, it can denote the act of entrusting or delivering something to someone.
Strokes5Radical亻Frequency#740DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, paying for a meal signifies respect and social hierarchy; it's common for the host to pay. The character 付 thus resonates with the importance of financial interactions in social settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person handing over a payment while saying 'fu' as they pass the money. The character 付 has a simple form that resembles a person giving something away, reinforcing the idea of handing over.
Meanings of 付
fù(Fu4)
1to pay
2to hand over to
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 付
付Simplified
5Strokes
亻Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#740Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2BCT✓CEFRA2
Podcast: 付
Podcast: 付
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AI Study Notes for 付
Quick Contrast
支付 (zhīfù) vs 付款 (fùkuǎn) — use 付 when emphasizing the act of handing over or entrusting, while 支付 focuses more on the act of payment itself.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 付 (fù) with 付出 (fùchū), which means 'to pay out' or 'to make an effort.' This term is more formal, while 付 can be used in everyday transactions. Ensure the correct tone is used, as mispronouncing it could lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While 付 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it's essential for learners to recognize this character as it appears frequently in daily conversations involving transactions. Focus on its usage in phrases related to payments and financial exchanges.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 付 (fù) with 付出 (fùchū); remember that 付 is more general and can be used casually, whereas 付出 is more formal. Another mistake is using the wrong tone: saying 'pu' instead of 'fù' can completely change the meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 付
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Depicts a hand (寸) giving payment to a person (亻).
1The giveawayTo hand 寸 something over to someone 亻
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 付? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 付?
Decomposition of 付
IDS Structure⿰亻寸
付Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
寸cun4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 付?
How to say to pay in Chinese
“to pay” in Chinese is付fù
The character 付 (fù) primarily means 'to pay' or 'to hand over.' It is commonly used in financial contexts, such as making payments for goods or services. Additionally, it can denote the act of entrusting or delivering something to someone.
When to use 付
Be cautious not to confuse 付 (fù) with 付出 (fùchū), which means 'to pay out' or 'to make an effort.' This term is more formal, while 付 can be used in everyday transactions. Ensure the correct tone is used, as mispronouncing it could lead to misunderstandings.
付 or something close to it
支付 (zhīfù) vs 付款 (fùkuǎn) — use 付 when emphasizing the act of handing over or entrusting, while 支付 focuses more on the act of payment itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 付 (fù) with 付出 (fùchū); remember that 付 is more general and can be used casually, whereas 付出 is more formal. Another mistake is using the wrong tone: saying 'pu' instead of 'fù' can completely change the meaning.
Write 付
付
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Practice writing 付 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 付
付 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 5 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.
