Meanings of 匐
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About 匐
Podcast: 匐
Podcast: 匐
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AI Study Notes for 匐
A common mistake is to confuse 匐 with other characters that relate to movement or lying down, such as 躺 (tǎng). Be aware that 匐 is more formal and can imply a sense of submission, making it less suitable for casual conversation. Additionally, remember to pronounce it with the second tone (fú) to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding characters.
While not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding 匐 can enhance your comprehension of classical texts and idiomatic expressions. Focus on recognizing its use in literary contexts, as well as its connection to themes of humility and submission found in Chinese culture.
Learners often confuse 匐 with the character 伏 (fú), which means to bend or to lie down without the connotation of submission. For example, saying '我匐下腰' (Wǒ fú xià yāo) to mean 'I bend down' is incorrect; it would be better to use 伏 instead.
Pronunciation of 匐
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Etymology of 匐
Phonosemantic compound. 勹 represents the meaning and 畐 represents the sound.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 匐
Phonosemantic compound. 勹 represents the meaning and 畐 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half勹 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half畐 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywrap
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 匐? 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
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Decomposition of 匐
Identify the Components
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How to say to crawl; to lie prostrate in Chinese
“to crawl; to lie prostrate” in Chinese is匐
The character 匐 (fú) primarily means to crawl or to lie prostrate. It is often used in contexts describing submission or a position of humility, as in bowing down. This character can also imply falling down or collapsing, conveying a sense of vulnerability or defeat.
When to use 匐
A common mistake is to confuse 匐 with other characters that relate to movement or lying down, such as 躺 (tǎng). Be aware that 匐 is more formal and can imply a sense of submission, making it less suitable for casual conversation. Additionally, remember to pronounce it with the second tone (fú) to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding characters.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 匐 with the character 伏 (fú), which means to bend or to lie down without the connotation of submission. For example, saying '我匐下腰' (Wǒ fú xià yāo) to mean 'I bend down' is incorrect; it would be better to use 伏 instead.
Write 匐
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Practice writing 匐 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 匐
Compound Meaning
What does 匍匐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 匐
You can use 匐 in a sentence like '他匐在地上表示尊敬' (Tā fú zài dì shàng biǎoshì zūnjìng), meaning 'He crawled on the ground to show respect.'
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