classifier for pairs, sets of things & facial expressions
HSK 5, b, 11 strokes, radical 刂, rank #1082, Hard
副
fù
to assist, to supplement; assistant; secondary; auxiliary
HSK 5, b, 11 strokes, radical 刂, rank #1082, Hard
副
fù
abbr. for 副詞|副词 adverb
HSK 5, unknown, 11 strokes, radical 刂, rank #1082, Hard
副
fù
classifier for pairs, sets of things & facial expressions
HSK 5, unknown, 11 strokes, radical 刂, rank #1082, Hard
fù(fu4) T4
1secondary
2auxiliary
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March 24, 2026
副fù(fu4)
The character 副 (fù) refers to something that is secondary or auxiliary in nature. It is often used in contexts such as titles (e.g., 副总理 for 'vice premier') or to describe roles that support or complement a primary function, like an assistant. Additionally, it can be used in grammatical terms, such as 副词 (fùcí), meaning 'adverb'.
Strokes11Radical刂Frequency#1082DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese bureaucracy, titles incorporating 副 are common and signify a clear hierarchy, reflecting the importance of roles in governance and administration. This is evident in various governmental positions, such as 副主席 (fù zhǔxí, 'vice-chairman').
Memory Tip
Imagine a deputy (副) standing beside a leader, symbolizing support. The left side of the character resembles a person standing next to another person, emphasizing the idea of being 'auxiliary' or 'secondary'. The pronunciation 'fù' can remind you of 'foot,' as in someone helping another to stand.
Meanings of 副
fù(fu4)
1secondary
2auxiliary
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 副
副Simplified
11Strokes
刂Radical
区别词distinguishing word (dist.)Part of Speech
#1082Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 副
Podcast: 副
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AI Study Notes for 副
Quick Contrast
副 (fù) vs 辅 (fǔ) — pick 副 when referring to a secondary title or role, while 辅 is used for supportive or assisting actions.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a deputy (副) standing beside a leader, symbolizing support. The left side of the character resembles a person standing next to another person, emphasizing the idea of being 'auxiliary' or 'secondary'. The pronunciation 'fù' can remind you of 'foot,' as in someone helping another to stand.
Usage Notes
When using 副, learners should be careful to distinguish it from similar terms, ensuring the context supports the idea of being 'secondary' or 'auxiliary.' It is typically used in formal contexts, especially in titles or roles. Common collocations include 副职 (fùzhí, 'deputy position') and 副作用 (fùzuòyòng, 'side effect').
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 副 connects well with other terms related to roles and functions, such as 领导 (lǐngdǎo, 'leadership') and 助理 (zhùlǐ, 'assistant'). Students should focus on how 副 can modify other nouns to indicate a subordinate or supportive role.
Cultural Note
In Chinese bureaucracy, titles incorporating 副 are common and signify a clear hierarchy, reflecting the importance of roles in governance and administration. This is evident in various governmental positions, such as 副主席 (fù zhǔxí, 'vice-chairman').
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 副 with 主 (zhǔ, 'main') and use it incorrectly in contexts that require a primary term. For example, saying 副领导 ('副 main leader') instead of just 领导 is incorrect; it should simply be 领导.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 副
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Grammar Patterns of 副
副 carries 11 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
In Europe, Aga Khan III presented himself in a completely different light.
3
他在受着毒品毒副作用影响的同时还出现了休克。
tā zài shòu zháo dú pǐn dú fù zuò yòng yǐng xiǎng de tóng shí huán chū xiàn le xiū kè。
He was suffering from shock as well as the after-effects of drugs.
4
有个犯人刻了一副漂亮的木头象棋。
yǒu gè fàn rén kè le yī fù piāo liàng de mù tóu xiàng qí。
One of the prisoners has carved a beautiful wooden chess set.
5
来自德国汉堡的霍斯特是个名副其实的怪人。
lái zì dé guó hàn bǎo de huò sī tè shì gè míng fù qí shí de guài rén。
Horst, a German from Hamburg, was a true original.
6
诺娃女士拥有一副美妙动听的好嗓音，对此她深以为豪。
nuò wá nǚ shì yōng yǒu yī fù měi miào dòng tīng de hǎo sǎng yīn， ， duì cǐ tā shēn yǐ wéi。
Ms Nova is the proud possessor of a truly incredible voice.
7
他很幸运,有一副好嗓子.
tā hěn xìng yùn, , yǒu yī fù hǎo sǎng.
He is the fortunate possessor of a fine singing voice.
8
我认为副总统是局内人。
wǒ rèn wéi fù zǒng tǒng shì jú nèi rén。
I think that the vice president was in the loop.
9
他有一副能把所有人都吓得那个什么滚什么流的火爆脾气。
tā yǒu yī fù néng bǎ suǒ yǒu rén dū xià dé nà gè shí mó gǔn shí mó liú de huǒ bào pí qì。
He's got that fiery temper which scares the whatsit out of everybody.
10
在那副外表背后，他们和我们大家是完全一样的。
zài nà fù wài biǎo bèi hòu， ， tā mén hé wǒ mén dà jiā shì wán quán yī yàng。
Behind the facade they are just like the rest of us.
Cultural Notes for 副
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese bureaucracy, titles incorporating 副 are common and signify a clear hierarchy, reflecting the importance of roles in governance and administration. This is evident in various governmental positions, such as 副主席 (fù zhǔxí, 'vice-chairman').
Word Family of 副
Words Containing This Character20
副fùsecondary
副主任deputy director
副作用fùzuòyòngside effect
副主席vice-chairperson
副书记deputy secretary副書記
副部长assistant (government) minister副部長
副市长deputy mayor副市長
副总裁vice-chairman (of an organization)副總裁
副本copy
副总理vice-premier副總理
副手assistant
名副其实míngfùqíshínot just in name only, but also in reality (idiom)名副其實
全副completely
副院长deputy chair of board副院長
副秘书长vice-secretary副秘書長
副业sideline副業
副官aide-de-camp
副教授associate professor (university post)
副总统vice-president副總統
副校长vice-principal副校長
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 副 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 副
副 typically indicates a secondary role or a position that complements a primary one, while 助 means 'to assist' or 'to help' in a more general sense.
Yes, while it is often used in formal contexts, you can use 副 in everyday conversations to describe roles or positions, especially when discussing work or responsibilities.
No, 副 can also describe things that are secondary or supportive, such as in the term 副产品 (fùchǎnpǐn, 'by-product').
