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March 24, 2026
俯(俛)fǔ(fu3)
The character 俯 (fǔ) means to bow down, to face down, or to look down. It is often used in contexts where someone is physically lowering themselves, either in a literal sense (like bending down) or metaphorically (such as showing humility or respect). It can also imply a downward gaze, as in observing something from a higher position.
Strokes10Radical亻Frequency#24986DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, bowing is a sign of respect and humility, which 俯 encapsulates. The act of bowing down is often associated with showing deference to elders or authority figures, reflecting Confucian values.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bird (the radical 亻, representing a person) bowing down to drink water from a river below. The shape of 俯 resembles a person leaning forward, emphasizing the action of looking down. The sound 'fǔ' can be remembered by thinking of 'foolish' when one bows down too much.
Meanings of 俯
fǔ(fu3)
1to bow down, to face down, to look down
2to stoop
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 俯
俯Simplified
俛Traditional
10Strokes
亻Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#24986Frequency Rank
Podcast: 俯
Podcast: 俯
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AI Study Notes for 俯
Quick Contrast
俯 (fǔ) vs 低 (dī) — use 俯 when emphasizing the action of bending down or looking down, whereas 低 refers more generally to a lower position or height.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bird (the radical 亻, representing a person) bowing down to drink water from a river below. The shape of 俯 resembles a person leaning forward, emphasizing the action of looking down. The sound 'fǔ' can be remembered by thinking of 'foolish' when one bows down too much.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone; fǔ (俯) is pronounced with a falling tone, which distinguishes it from other similar-sounding words. It's more commonly used in literary or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Typical collocations might include phrases about humility or physical actions of lowering oneself.
HSK Study Tips
While 俯 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other verbs of movement and attitude at higher levels. Students should focus on the contexts in which this verb is used, particularly in literary works or formal speeches, to grasp its nuance.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, bowing is a sign of respect and humility, which 俯 encapsulates. The act of bowing down is often associated with showing deference to elders or authority figures, reflecting Confucian values.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 俯 (fǔ) with 伏 (fú), leading to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying '我俯在地上' (I stooped down) when '我伏在地上' would be the correct phrase for lying down.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 俯
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Grammar Patterns of 俯
俯 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
还有其他的房子能像这幢一样____瞰首都吗？
What other home offers such a commanding view of the capital?
Example Sentences for 俯 (10)
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1
还有其他的房子能像这幢一样俯瞰首都吗？
huán yǒu qí tā de fáng zǐ néng xiàng zhè chuáng yī yàng fǔ kàn shǒu dū ma？
What other home offers such a commanding view of the capital?
Viewed from above, the valleys form the shape of a man.
Cultural Notes for 俯
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, bowing is a sign of respect and humility, which 俯 encapsulates. The act of bowing down is often associated with showing deference to elders or authority figures, reflecting Confucian values.
Word Family of 俯
Words Containing This Character19
俯卧撑push-up俯臥撐
俯瞰to overlook
俯fǔto stoop
俯视fǔshìto overlook俯視
俯冲to dive down fast俯衝
俯身to lean over
俯卧to lie prone俯臥
俯首fǔshǒuto bend one's head
俯首称臣to bow before (idiom)俯首稱臣
俯仰(fig.) small move
俯拾皆是fig. extremely common
俯伏to lie prostrate
前俯后仰to rock one's body backward and forward前俯後仰
俯首帖耳at sb's beck and call
俯拾即是fig. extremely common
俯就to deign
俯仰之间in a flash俯仰之間
俯仰无愧to have a clear conscience俯仰無愧
与世俯仰to swim with the tide (idiom)與世俯仰
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 俯卧撑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 俯
俯 (fǔ) emphasizes looking down or bowing, while 伏 (fú) generally means to lie down or crouch.
It's more formal and often found in literature, poetry, or speeches rather than casual dialogue.
Yes, it can describe attitudes of humility or respect, not just physical actions.
