Meanings of 吩咐
By ear
Play it, then pick what 吩咐 means.
About 吩咐
Podcast: 吩咐
Podcast: 吩咐
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Drill the tone of 吩咐 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 吩咐 to You
Let me explain 吩咐 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 吩咐 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 吩咐?
Learning Lab
Knowing 吩咐 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 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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 吩咐?
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 吩咐
No, 吩咐 is more formal and is typically used in professional or authoritative contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 吩咐?
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.