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March 24, 2026
伏fú(Fu2)
The character 伏 (fú) primarily means 'to lean over' or 'to hide.' It is often used in contexts involving submission or concealment, such as hiding in ambush or lying low. Additionally, it can refer to the hottest days of summer, indicating a time when one might seek refuge from the heat.
Strokes6Radical亻Frequency#5661DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'lying low' or submitting is often linked to the philosophy of humility and strategic retreat, especially in historical military contexts, where clever ambush tactics were crucial for victory.
Memory tip
Imagine a person named Fu crouching low to hide from the summer sun, trying to conceal himself from the heat and any potential threats. The character 伏 resembles a person bent over or lying down, emphasizing the idea of hiding or submission.
Meanings of 伏
fú(Fu2)
1to lean over
2to fall (go down)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 伏
伏Simplified
6Strokes
亻Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5661Frequency Rank
Podcast: 伏
Podcast: 伏
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AI study notes for 伏
Quick Contrast
伏 (fú) vs 躺 (tǎng) — use 伏 for contexts of concealment or submission, while 躺 specifically refers to lying down in a relaxed position.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 伏, as it can imply both physical hiding and the metaphorical act of submitting. Common collocations include 伏击 (fújī, to ambush) and 伏下 (fúxià, to lie down). Remember to maintain the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 伏 is not specifically listed under the HSK levels, it connects with other verbs related to movement and position. Focus on its different usages in sentences and try to practice with related vocabulary like 躺 (tǎng, to lie down) and 蹲 (dūn, to squat).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 伏 with伏击 (fújī) and mistakenly use it in contexts where active engagement is required. For example, saying '我伏了他们' (wǒ fúle tāmen) incorrectly implies hiding rather than attacking; it should be '我伏击了他们' (wǒ fújīle tāmen).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 伏
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Learning Lab
Knowing 伏 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 伏 (fú) primarily means 'to lean over' or 'to hide.' It is often used in contexts involving submission or concealment, such as hiding in ambush or lying low. Additionally, it can refer to the hottest days of summer, indicating a time when one might seek refuge from the heat.
When to use 伏
Be mindful of the context in which you use 伏, as it can imply both physical hiding and the metaphorical act of submitting. Common collocations include 伏击 (fújī, to ambush) and 伏下 (fúxià, to lie down). Remember to maintain the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
伏 or something close to it
伏 (fú) vs 躺 (tǎng) — use 伏 for contexts of concealment or submission, while 躺 specifically refers to lying down in a relaxed position.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 伏 with伏击 (fújī) and mistakenly use it in contexts where active engagement is required. For example, saying '我伏了他们' (wǒ fúle tāmen) incorrectly implies hiding rather than attacking; it should be '我伏击了他们' (wǒ fújīle tāmen).
Write 伏
伏
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Grammar patterns of 伏
伏 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 13 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 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我认为长期____案的生活一点也不适合我。
I don't think a sedentary life would altogether suit me.
