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March 24, 2026
斧fǔ(fu3)
The character 斧 (fǔ) refers to an axe or hatchet, commonly utilized for chopping wood or other materials. In a broader context, it can also imply the action of chopping or hewing, making it relevant in discussions about woodworking or carpentry.
Strokes8Radical斤Frequency#13186DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the axe is often associated with traditional woodworking crafts, which have been essential for rural life. The skill of using an axe effectively is respected and linked to self-sufficiency in rural communities.
Memory Tip
Imagine an axe (斧) chopping down a tree. The left side of the character, the radical 'knife' (刀), suggests cutting, while the right side resembles a tree being hewn down. Visualize the sound 'fǔ' as the sound of the axe hitting the wood.
Meanings of 斧
fǔ(fu3)
1axe, hatchet; to chop, to hew
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 斧
斧Simplified
8Strokes
斤Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 斧
Podcast: 斧
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AI Study Notes for 斧
Quick Contrast
锤 (chuí) - choose 斧 (fǔ) when referring specifically to an axe, while 锤 (chuí) refers to a hammer.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine an axe (斧) chopping down a tree. The left side of the character, the radical 'knife' (刀), suggests cutting, while the right side resembles a tree being hewn down. Visualize the sound 'fǔ' as the sound of the axe hitting the wood.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone when using 斧, as it can be confused with similar-sounding words. It is typically used in informal contexts when discussing tools or activities related to chopping. Common collocations include 斧头 (fǔtóu - axe head) and 砍斧 (kǎnfǔ - to chop with an axe).
HSK Study Tips
While 斧 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with other HSK words related to tools and actions. Students should focus on the context of labor and craftsmanship when learning this character. Understanding related terms can enhance vocabulary in practical situations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the axe is often associated with traditional woodworking crafts, which have been essential for rural life. The skill of using an axe effectively is respected and linked to self-sufficiency in rural communities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 斧 with similar characters like 刀 (knife) due to their visual similarity. It's important to remember that 斧 is specifically for chopping, while 刀 is for slicing. For example, saying '我用刀砍树' (I use a knife to chop the tree) is incorrect; the correct term is '我用斧砍树' (I use an axe to chop the tree).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 斧
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Grammar Patterns of 斧
斧 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
然后那个伐木工脱手甩出了____头。哐！每个人都听见了。
Then the woodcutter let his axe fly— Thwack! Everyone heard it.
Example Sentences for 斧 (9)
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1
然后那个伐木工脱手甩出了斧头。哐！每个人都听见了。
rán hòu nà gè fá mù gōng tuō shǒu shuǎi chū le fǔ tóu。 。！ kuāng ！ měi gè rén dū tīng。
Then the woodcutter let his axe fly— Thwack! Everyone heard it.
2
他一斧子就砍掉了那根树枝.
tā yī fǔ zǐ jiù kǎn diào le nà gēn shù zhī.
He struck off the branch with a single chop of the ax.
3
他十几斧头就把树砍倒了.
tā shí jī fǔ tóu jiù bǎ shù kǎn dǎo le.
He fell the tree with a dozen blows of his axe.
4
那个砍柴者举斧砍树.
nà gè kǎn chái zhě jǔ fǔ kǎn shù.
The woodcutter laid his axe to the tree.
5
斧劈两半一命休,七个只剩六.
fǔ pī liǎng bàn yī mìng xiū, , qī gè zhī shèng.
One chopped himself into halves and then there were six.
We left her just now declaring that she would burn her ships behind her.
Cultural Notes for 斧
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the axe is often associated with traditional woodworking crafts, which have been essential for rural life. The skill of using an axe effectively is respected and linked to self-sufficiency in rural communities.
Word Family of 斧
Words Containing This Character11
斧fǔhatchet
斧头ax斧頭
斧子fǔziaxe
大刀阔斧bold and decisive大刀闊斧
鬼斧神工uncanny workmanship
板斧broad axe
班门弄斧to display one's slight skill before an expert (idiom)班門弄斧
刀斧手lictor
斧正(polite) please amend my writing
神工鬼斧uncanny workmanship
斧钺之诛to die by battle-ax (idiom); to be executed斧鉞之誅
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 斧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 斧
It is pronounced as 'fǔ' with a falling tone.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe cutting through problems or difficulties.
斧 refers specifically to axes or hatchets, while 刀 refers to knives or blades.
