Meanings of 吩咐
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About 吩咐
Podcast: 吩咐
Podcast: 吩咐
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AI Study Notes for 吩咐
指示 (zhǐshì) - use 吩咐 when conveying a command with authority, while 指示 is more neutral and can imply guidance rather than direct orders.
Be cautious not to confuse 吩咐 with 说 (shuō), which means 'to speak.' 吩咐 is more authoritative and should be reserved for formal or serious contexts. Common collocations include 吩咐工作 (instruct on work) or 吩咐下属 (instruct subordinates).
As an HSK 6 word, 吩咐 is useful for learners aiming to express more complex ideas about authority and instruction. Focus on its use in formal contexts, and relate it to other HSK 6 vocabulary that involves communication, such as 指示 (zhǐshì, to indicate) and 命令 (mìnglìng, to command).
Learners often confuse 吩咐 with 说, using it inappropriately in casual contexts. For example, saying 吩咐我来这里 (fēnfu wǒ lái zhèlǐ) instead of 让我来这里 (ràng wǒ lái zhèlǐ) can sound overly formal and authoritative.
Pronunciation of 吩咐
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Component Characters
How to say to tell in Chinese
“to tell” in Chinese is吩咐
The verb 吩咐 (fēnfu) means to tell, instruct, or command someone to do something. It is often used in contexts where one person gives orders or directions to another, indicating a level of authority or responsibility. This word carries a formal tone, often found in workplaces or hierarchical settings.
When to use 吩咐
Be cautious not to confuse 吩咐 with 说 (shuō), which means 'to speak.' 吩咐 is more authoritative and should be reserved for formal or serious contexts. Common collocations include 吩咐工作 (instruct on work) or 吩咐下属 (instruct subordinates).
吩咐 or something close to it
指示 (zhǐshì) - use 吩咐 when conveying a command with authority, while 指示 is more neutral and can imply guidance rather than direct orders.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 吩咐 with 说, using it inappropriately in casual contexts. For example, saying 吩咐我来这里 (fēnfu wǒ lái zhèlǐ) instead of 让我来这里 (ràng wǒ lái zhèlǐ) can sound overly formal and authoritative.
Write 吩咐
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Practice writing 吩咐 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 吩咐
吩咐 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.
Complete the Sentence
如果我可以效劳的话，敬请____。
If I can be of service, I am at your disposal.
Example Sentences for 吩咐 (5)
Frequently Asked Questions about 吩咐
No, 吩咐 is more formal and is typically used in professional or authoritative contexts.
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