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父亲 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
父亲fùqīnfatherHSK 4, n, rank #288, Medium
父亲fùqīnalso pr. [fù qin]HSK 4, n, rank #288, Medium
父亲fùqīn>个[gè]HSK 4, n, rank #288, Medium
父亲fùqīnalso pr. [fu4 qin5]HSK 4, unknown, rank #288, Medium
fùqīn(fu4qin1) T4
  1. 1father
  2. 2also pr. [fù qin]
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March 24, 2026
父亲(父親)fùqīn(fu4qin1)

父亲 (fù qīn) means 'father' in Mandarin and is often used to refer to one's biological or legal parent. It carries a sense of respect and affection, typically used in both formal and informal contexts when talking about one's father.

Frequency#288DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 父亲 is deeply tied to filial piety, which emphasizes respect and duty towards one's parents. Celebrating Father's Day is also becoming more common in urban areas, reflecting changing family dynamics.

Memory Tip

Think of '父' (father) as a figure standing with arms wide open, representing protection and support, while '亲' (qīn) is like a comforting embrace. Together, they create an image of a loving father, and the pronunciation 'fù qīn' sounds like 'foo chin', which you might remember as 'a father who brings in the food'.

Meanings of 父亲

fùqīn(fu4qin1)
1father
2also pr. [fù qin]
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About 父亲

父亲Simplified
父親Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#288Frequency Rank
Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 父亲

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Podcast: 父亲

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AI Study Notes for 父亲

Quick Contrast

父亲 (father) vs 老爸 (dad) — use 父亲 for formal or respectful contexts, while 老爸 is more casual and familiar.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of '父' (father) as a figure standing with arms wide open, representing protection and support, while '亲' (qīn) is like a comforting embrace. Together, they create an image of a loving father, and the pronunciation 'fù qīn' sounds like 'foo chin', which you might remember as 'a father who brings in the food'.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 父亲 with 亲 (qīn), which means 'relative' or 'intimate'. It's important to use 父亲 specifically when referring to one's father. In formal situations, 父亲 is preferred over informal terms like 爸爸 (bà ba).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, 父亲 connects well with other family-related terms. Students should focus on using it in sentences alongside words like 母亲 (mother) and siblings' terms, enhancing their vocabulary around family.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 父亲 is deeply tied to filial piety, which emphasizes respect and duty towards one's parents. Celebrating Father's Day is also becoming more common in urban areas, reflecting changing family dynamics.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 父亲 with 亲 (qīn) and might say '我的亲' (wǒ de qīn) instead of '我的父亲' (wǒ de fù qīn) when referring to their father. Remember to use 父亲 for clarity and respect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 父亲

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Component Characters

father
4 strokes
View full entry
qīnparents-in-law of one's offspring
HSK 59 strokes
View full entry

Write 父亲

Practice writing 父亲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 父亲

父亲 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). It carries 4 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

不管怎样说,他毕竟是你的____。

No matter what, he is still your father after all.

Example Sentences for 父亲 (1)

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1
把孩子拐走的那帮人从孩子的父亲身上勒索了二万美元.

bǎ hái zǐ guǎi zǒu de nà bāng rén cóng hái zǐ de fù qīn shēn shàng lè suǒ le èr wàn měi yuán.

The men who took his son bled the father for $ 20,

Cultural Notes for 父亲

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of 父亲 is deeply tied to filial piety, which emphasizes respect and duty towards one's parents. Celebrating Father's Day is also becoming more common in urban areas, reflecting changing family dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions about 父亲

No, 父亲 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a more respectful tone than informal terms like 爸爸.