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March 24, 2026
弗fú(fu2)
The character 弗 (fú) is primarily used as a negative marker in classical Chinese and can denote the meaning 'not' or 'no.' It appears in certain formal contexts or literary texts, often conveying a sense of negation or absence, and is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Strokes5Radical弓Frequency#4131DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese poetry and literature, 弗 often appears in phrases that discuss philosophical concepts or moral teachings, reflecting the importance of negation in traditional Chinese thought.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large 'F' (for '弗') standing alone, like a lone figure saying 'no' to everything around it. The character has a strong visual presence, reinforcing its meaning of negation. Picture this 'F' pushing away something positive, emphasizing its negative connotation.
Meanings of 弗
fú(fu2)
1not, negative
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 弗
弗Simplified
5Strokes
弓Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 弗
Podcast: 弗
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AI Study Notes for 弗
Usage Notes
弗 is typically used in a formal or literary context, so avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler terms like 不 (bù) are more appropriate. Be mindful of tone; it’s important to pronounce it with a rising tone (fú) to maintain clarity.
HSK Study Tips
Although 弗 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, students should recognize it in classical texts and understand its negative connotation. Focus on distinguishing it from 不, which is much more common in modern Mandarin.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 弗 with 不 and use it incorrectly in conversation; for example, saying '我弗知道' instead of '我不知道' (I do not know). It's essential to use 不 in spoken language.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弗
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 弗? 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 弗?
Decomposition of 弗
IDS Structure⿻弓⿰丨丨
弗Full Character
=
弓Gong1
outer
丨gun3
left
丨gun3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 弗?
How to say not, negative in Chinese
“not, negative” in Chinese is弗fú
The character 弗 (fú) is primarily used as a negative marker in classical Chinese and can denote the meaning 'not' or 'no.' It appears in certain formal contexts or literary texts, often conveying a sense of negation or absence, and is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
When to use 弗
弗 is typically used in a formal or literary context, so avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler terms like 不 (bù) are more appropriate. Be mindful of tone; it’s important to pronounce it with a rising tone (fú) to maintain clarity.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 弗 with 不 and use it incorrectly in conversation; for example, saying '我弗知道' instead of '我不知道' (I do not know). It's essential to use 不 in spoken language.
Write 弗
弗
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Practice writing 弗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 弗
弗 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
“阿道____斯·克林，我以贩毒的罪名逮捕你。”——“什么？”
"Adolphus Kelling, I arrest you on a charge of trafficking in narcotics."—"What?"
