HSK 7, v, 7 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4613, Very Hard
附
fù
to be close to
HSK 7, unknown, 7 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4613, Very Hard
附
fù
to be attached
HSK 7, unknown, 7 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4613, Very Hard
fù(fu4) T4
1nearby; to adhere to, to attach; to rely on
2to be close to
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March 24, 2026
附(坿)fù(fu4)
The character 附 (fù) primarily means 'to attach,' 'to adhere,' or 'to be close to.' It is commonly used in contexts where something is added to another object, such as in documents or physical attachments. Additionally, it can convey the idea of reliance or dependence on something.
Strokes7Radical阝Frequency#4613DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of attachment is often seen in the context of relationships and community, emphasizing the importance of being close to family and friends. For example, documents are usually 'attached' to ensure thoroughness and reliability.
Memory Tip
Imagine two friends (the components of the character) holding onto each other closely, symbolizing attachment. The left side resembles a 'person' and the right side hints at 'to be close to'—think of them being side by side like 'adhering' to one another.
Meanings of 附
fù(fu4)
1nearby; to adhere to, to attach; to rely on
2to be close to
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 附
附Simplified
坿Traditional
7Strokes
阝Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4613Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 附
Podcast: 附
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AI Study Notes for 附
Quick Contrast
附 (fù) vs 贴 (tiē) — use 附 when emphasizing attachment or addition in a formal context, while 贴 is more about sticking or pasting physically.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 附 (fù) with other words that include similar sounds or meanings. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, so be mindful of the context when using it. Common collocations include 附加 (fùjiā - to add on) and 附件 (fùjiàn - attachment).
HSK Study Tips
While 附 is not an HSK level word, it connects to HSK Level 3 vocabulary related to actions and descriptions of relationships, such as 依靠 (yīkào - to rely on). Focus on its usage in compound words to enhance understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 附 (fù) in contexts where 附属 (fùshǔ - subordinate) is more appropriate. For example, saying '我附这个文件' (Wǒ fù zhège wénjiàn - I attach this document) is incorrect; it should be '我附上这个文件' (Wǒ fùshàng zhège wénjiàn).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 附
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Phonosemantic compound. 阝 represents the meaning and 付 represents the sound.
1The meaning half阝 carries the sense.
2The sound half付 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayplace
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 附? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 附?
Decomposition of 附
IDS Structure⿰阝付
附Full Character
=
阝yi4
left
付Fu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 附?
How to say nearby; to adhere to, to attach; to rely on in Chinese
“nearby; to adhere to, to attach; to rely on” in Chinese is附fù
The character 附 (fù) primarily means 'to attach,' 'to adhere,' or 'to be close to.' It is commonly used in contexts where something is added to another object, such as in documents or physical attachments. Additionally, it can convey the idea of reliance or dependence on something.
When to use 附
Learners often confuse 附 (fù) with other words that include similar sounds or meanings. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, so be mindful of the context when using it. Common collocations include 附加 (fùjiā - to add on) and 附件 (fùjiàn - attachment).
附 or something close to it
附 (fù) vs 贴 (tiē) — use 附 when emphasizing attachment or addition in a formal context, while 贴 is more about sticking or pasting physically.
What learners get wrong
Learners may mistakenly use 附 (fù) in contexts where 附属 (fùshǔ - subordinate) is more appropriate. For example, saying '我附这个文件' (Wǒ fù zhège wénjiàn - I attach this document) is incorrect; it should be '我附上这个文件' (Wǒ fùshàng zhège wénjiàn).
Write 附
附
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Practice writing 附 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 附
附 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 patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
This new smartphone has many additional features, including wireless charging and facial recognition.
12
这份合同的最后一页附上了详细的条款和条件。
Zhè fèn hétóng de zuìhòu yī yè fù shàngle xiángxì de tiáokuǎn hé tiáojiàn.
The last page of this contract has detailed terms and conditions attached.
13
这个计划的附加条件需要在会议上讨论。
Zhège jìhuà de fùjiā tiáojiàn xūyào zài huìyì shàng tǎolùn.
The additional conditions of this plan need to be discussed at the meeting.
14
他给我发了一封信，信里附有详细的活动安排。
Tā gěi wǒ fāle yī fēng xìn, xìn lǐ fù yǒu xiángxì de huódòng ānpái.
He sent me a letter that included detailed event arrangements.
15
请仔细阅读合同附带的说明书。
Qǐng zǐxì yuèdú hétóng fùdài de shuōmíngshū.
Please carefully read the instructions attached to the contract.
16
文档的最后一页附了所有必要的参考资料。
Wéndàng de zuìhòu yī yè fùle suǒyǒu bìyào de cānkǎo zīliào.
The last page of the document includes all the necessary references.
Cultural Notes for 附
💡Did you know?
'附' is often used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or academic papers, where attachments are common.
Word Family of 附
Words Containing This Character20
附近fùjìnnearby
附fùto add
附属fùshǔsubsidiary附屬
附加fùjiāannex
附件fùjiànenclosure
附带fùdàisupplementary附帶
附加值added-value (accountancy)
吸附to absorb
附着to adhere附著
依附to adhere
附加费surcharge附加費
附上attached
附和fùhèto agree
附录appendix附錄
附注note附註
附中abbr. for 附屬中學|附属中学[fùshǔzhōngxué]
附庸vassal
附体(of a spirit or deity) to possess sb附體
附送to come with
附属品accessory附屬品
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 附近 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 附
附 (fù) generally means to attach or adhere, while 附近 (fù jìn) specifically refers to nearby or in the vicinity of something. While both words share the root '附', their meanings are distinct and are used in different contexts.
附 (fù) means to attach or to adhere to something. It can also convey the sense of being close to or relying on something. In various contexts, it can imply the physical attachment of objects or a metaphorical reliance on someone or something.
To use 附 (fù) in a sentence, you can say 附上我的名片 (fù shàng wǒ de míngpiàn), which means 'attached is my business card.' It can also be used in phrases like 附近 (fù jìn), meaning 'nearby.' Understanding the context will help you choose the right usage.
Common phrases include 附件 (fùjiàn - attachment) and 附加 (fùjiā - to add on).
Yes, 附 can be used in both contexts, but the collocations may differ based on formality.
It is pronounced as 'fù' with a falling tone.
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