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March 24, 2026
弗fú(fu2)
The character 弗 (fú) is primarily used as a negative marker in classical Chinese and can denote the meaning 'not' or 'no.' It appears in certain formal contexts or literary texts, often conveying a sense of negation or absence, and is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Strokes5Radical弓Frequency#4131DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese poetry and literature, 弗 often appears in phrases that discuss philosophical concepts or moral teachings, reflecting the importance of negation in traditional Chinese thought.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large 'F' (for '弗') standing alone, like a lone figure saying 'no' to everything around it. The character has a strong visual presence, reinforcing its meaning of negation. Picture this 'F' pushing away something positive, emphasizing its negative connotation.
Meanings of 弗
fú(fu2)
1not, negative
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 弗
弗Simplified
5Strokes
弓Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 弗
Podcast: 弗
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AI Study Notes for 弗
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large 'F' (for '弗') standing alone, like a lone figure saying 'no' to everything around it. The character has a strong visual presence, reinforcing its meaning of negation. Picture this 'F' pushing away something positive, emphasizing its negative connotation.
Usage Notes
弗 is typically used in a formal or literary context, so avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler terms like 不 (bù) are more appropriate. Be mindful of tone; it’s important to pronounce it with a rising tone (fú) to maintain clarity.
HSK Study Tips
Although 弗 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, students should recognize it in classical texts and understand its negative connotation. Focus on distinguishing it from 不, which is much more common in modern Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese poetry and literature, 弗 often appears in phrases that discuss philosophical concepts or moral teachings, reflecting the importance of negation in traditional Chinese thought.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 弗 with 不 and use it incorrectly in conversation; for example, saying '我弗知道' instead of '我不知道' (I do not know). It's essential to use 不 in spoken language.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弗
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Grammar Patterns of 弗
弗 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). 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
“阿道____斯·克林，我以贩毒的罪名逮捕你。”——“什么？”
"Adolphus Kelling, I arrest you on a charge of trafficking in narcotics."—"What?"
When Crevecoeur smiled, the creases in his face deepened.
9
他出生在布鲁克林的弗拉特布什一带，并在那儿长大成人。
tā chū shēng zài bù lǔ kè lín de fú lā tè bù shí yī dài， ， bìng zài nà ér cháng dà chéng。
He was born and grew up in the Flatbush neighbourhood of Brooklyn.
10
“大约6个月后，”弗洛伊德写道，“汉斯克服了他的嫉妒心理。”
“ “ dà6 yuē 6 gè，” yuè hòu ，” fú luò yī，“ dé xiě dào ，“ hàn sī kè fú le tā de。”
"Some six months later," Freud writes, "Hans had got over his jealousy."
Cultural Notes for 弗
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient Chinese poetry and literature, 弗 often appears in phrases that discuss philosophical concepts or moral teachings, reflecting the importance of negation in traditional Chinese thought.
Word Family of 弗
Words Containing This Character13
弗fúnot
弗兰克Frank (name)弗蘭克
弗格森Ferguson (surname)
弗洛伊德Floyd (name)
弗吉尼亚Virginia, US state弗吉尼亞
埃弗顿Everton soccer team埃弗頓
弗吉尼亚州Virginia, US state弗吉尼亞州
克里斯托弗(Warren) Christopher
弗雷Freyr (god in Norse mythology)
欣弗brand name of an antibiotic injection blamed for a number of deaths in 2006
弗拉基米尔Vladimir弗拉基米爾
杰弗逊Jefferson傑弗遜
弗里曼Freeman (surname)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 弗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 弗
No, 弗 is primarily found in classical texts and formal writing; in modern contexts, 不 is preferred.
While both mean 'not,' 弗 is more formal and used in literary contexts, whereas 不 is the everyday negative.
It is generally not used in spoken Mandarin; stick to 不 for casual conversation.
