Definitions

(verb) to instruct; to tell

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "咐" is structurally defined by the mouth radical "口" paired with the component "付", which serves a phonetic role while also carrying connotations of handing something over, thereby linking the character to the delivery of speech. Etymologically, it has almost exclusively functioned within the compound "吩咐", where it contributes to the meaning of giving verbal orders or instructions, a semantic role that has remained consistent throughout its documented use. While the component "付" independently means to pay or deliver, its combination with the mouth radical emphasizes the transmission of words, and the character itself has not developed separate meanings outside this compound. Its form has remained unchanged, with the same composition used in both traditional and simplified orthographies.

Example Sentences Hide

老师吩我们安静。

Lǎoshī fēnfu wǒmen ānjìng.

The teacher told us to be quiet.

他仔细吩了每个步骤。

Tā zǐxì fēnfu le měi gè bùzhòu.

He carefully instructed each step.

经理吩员工完成报告。

Jīnglǐ fēnfu yuángōng wánchéng bàogào.

The manager instructed the employees to complete the report.

妈妈吩我买牛奶和面包。

Māma fēnfu wǒ mǎi niúnǎi hé miànbāo.

Mom told me to buy milk and bread.

在离开之前,他吩了几件事。

Zài líkāi zhīqián, tā fēnfu le jǐ jiàn shì.

Before leaving, he instructed several matters.

总统吩助手准备重要文件。

Zǒngtǒng fēnfu zhùshǒu zhǔnbèi zhòngyào wénjiàn.

The president instructed his assistant to prepare important documents.

根据老板的吩,我们改变了计划。

Gēnjù lǎobǎn de fēnfu, wǒmen gǎibiàn le jìhuà.

According to the boss's instructions, we changed the plan.

尽管时间紧迫,他仍详细吩了所有细节。

Jǐnguǎn shíjiān jǐnpò, tā réng xiángxì fēnfu le suǒyǒu xìjié.

Despite the time pressure, he still instructed all the details in detail.