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March 24, 2026
吩咐fēnfù(fen1fu4)
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.
Frequency#5615DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, hierarchy and respect for authority are significant. The use of 吩咐 reflects a traditional view of relationships in workplaces, where seniority often dictates how commands are given and received.
Memory Tip
Think of 吩咐 (fēnfu) as a 'fan' that 'fuels' instructions. Imagine a boss with a fan, directing air and commands at their team. The 'fu' sounds like 'fuel,' which helps you remember that this word is about providing energy in the form of orders.
Meanings of 吩咐
fēnfù(fen1fu4)
1to tell
2to instruct
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 吩咐
吩咐Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5615Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 吩咐
Podcast: 吩咐
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AI Study Notes for 吩咐
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 吩咐 (fēnfu) as a 'fan' that 'fuels' instructions. Imagine a boss with a fan, directing air and commands at their team. The 'fu' sounds like 'fuel,' which helps you remember that this word is about providing energy in the form of orders.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, hierarchy and respect for authority are significant. The use of 吩咐 reflects a traditional view of relationships in workplaces, where seniority often dictates how commands are given and received.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吩咐
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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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
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)
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1
如果我可以效劳的话，敬请吩咐。
rú guǒ wǒ kě yǐ xiào láo de huà， ， jìng qǐng fēn。
If I can be of service, I am at your disposal.
2
她很善于让男人听她的吩咐！
tā hěn shàn yú ràng nán rén tīng tā de fēn fù！
She is very clever at getting men to do her bidding!
3
“特雷莎，告诉他们我所有的电话都别挂。”她吩咐她的服装师。
“ “ tè léi， suō ， gào sù tā mén wǒ suǒ yǒu de diàn huà dū。” bié guà 。” tā fēn fù tā de。
"Tell them to hold all my calls, Theresa," she instructed her dresser.
nǐ zhào wǒ de fēn fù bǎ suǒ yǒu de bīng qì dū nuó zǒu le?
Have you removed all the weapons as I bade you?
Cultural Notes for 吩咐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, hierarchy and respect for authority are significant. The use of 吩咐 reflects a traditional view of relationships in workplaces, where seniority often dictates how commands are given and received.
Frequently Asked Questions about 吩咐
No, 吩咐 is more formal and is typically used in professional or authoritative contexts.
Not exactly; 吩咐 is softer and implies instruction, while 命令 is a stronger command.
吩咐 implies giving instructions, while 说 simply means to speak.
