HSK 7, unknown, 7 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4613, Hard
附
fù
to be attached
HSK 7, unknown, 7 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4613, 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#4613DifficultyHard
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
Nearby there is a stretch of white sand beach perfect for sunbathing.
10
附近有一两个人投来怀疑的目光。
fù jìn yǒu yī liǎng gè rén tóu lái huái yí de mù guāng。
There were one or two suspicious looks from nearby.
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.
🏮Cultural insight
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.
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.
