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服从 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
服从
fúcóng
to obey (an order)
HSK 6, v, 12 strokes, rank #4518, Hard
服从
fúcóng
to comply
HSK 6, v, 12 strokes, rank #4518, Hard
服从
fúcóng
to defer
HSK 6, v, 12 strokes, rank #4518, Hard
fúcóng(fu2cong2)fu cong T2
1to obey (an order)
2to comply
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March 24, 2026
服从(服從)fúcóng(fu2cong2)
The verb 服从 (fúcóng) means to obey or comply with orders, rules, or authority. It is commonly used in contexts where individuals are expected to follow instructions from superiors, such as in military, workplace, or family settings. The term carries a connotation of respect for authority and can imply a sense of duty.
Strokes12Frequency#4518DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of obedience is deeply rooted in Confucian values, where respect for authority and hierarchy is emphasized. This is particularly evident in family structures and workplace environments, where younger members are expected to defer to elders or superiors.
Memory tip
Imagine a soldier (服) standing straight, ready to follow orders (从) without hesitation. Visualize the soldier receiving commands and immediately obeying them, reinforcing the connection between the character's components and its meaning.
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AI study notes for 服从
Quick Contrast
遵从 (zūncóng) - use 服从 (fúcóng) when emphasizing obedience to authority, while 遵从 (zūncóng) can imply following rules or customs more generally.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone in '服从,' as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. It is generally used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '服从命令' (to obey orders) and '服从上级' (to comply with superiors).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 服从 is important for discussing hierarchical relationships and authority in various contexts. Students should practice using it in sentences related to workplace dynamics or military structures to reinforce understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 服从 with 服气 (fúqì), which means to be convinced or to admire, leading to incorrect sentences like '我对他的决定不服从' (I do not admire his decision) instead of '我对他的决定不服气.' (I do not agree with his decision).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 服从
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Knowing 服从 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The verb 服从 (fúcóng) means to obey or comply with orders, rules, or authority. It is commonly used in contexts where individuals are expected to follow instructions from superiors, such as in military, workplace, or family settings. The term carries a connotation of respect for authority and can imply a sense of duty.
When to use 服从
Be mindful of the tone in '服从,' as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. It is generally used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '服从命令' (to obey orders) and '服从上级' (to comply with superiors).
服从 or something close to it
遵从 (zūncóng) - use 服从 (fúcóng) when emphasizing obedience to authority, while 遵从 (zūncóng) can imply following rules or customs more generally.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 服从 with 服气 (fúqì), which means to be convinced or to admire, leading to incorrect sentences like '我对他的决定不服从' (I do not admire his decision) instead of '我对他的决定不服气.' (I do not agree with his decision).
Write 服从
服
从
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Grammar patterns of 服从
服从 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 3 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
劳驾你____我要给出的指令好不好？
Will you kindly obey the instructions I am about to give?
