Meanings of 服从
By ear
Play it, then pick what 服从 means.
About 服从
Podcast: 服从
Podcast: 服从
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 服从
遵从 (zūncóng) - use 服从 (fúcóng) when emphasizing obedience to authority, while 遵从 (zūncóng) can imply following rules or customs more generally.
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).
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.
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).
Pronunciation of 服从
Drill the tone of 服从 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 服从 to You
Let me explain 服从 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 服从 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 服从?
Learning Lab
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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say to obey (an order) in Chinese
“to obey (an order)” in Chinese is服从
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 服从 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
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?
Example Sentences for 服从 (9)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 服从?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 服从
While it can be used in everyday conversations, it is more appropriate for formal situations, such as discussions about rules or authority.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 服从?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.