Definitions

fèng (verb) to offer respectfully; to present (to superior)
fèng (verb) to revere; to respect
fèng (verb) to serve; to wait upon
fèng (verb) to accept orders (from superior)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. and represent the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "奉" derives from an early ideographic composition symbolizing two hands offering an object, which established its primary sense of presenting or giving. Its structure integrates the component "丰", possibly contributing phonetic value or implying plenitude, with a foundational element representing hands, thus visually underscoring the act of respectful conveyance. From this concrete origin, the meaning gradually extended to include the reception and execution of directives, exemplified in classical compounds such as "奉令" (to obey orders), and later evolved to convey notions of reverence and dedication, as in "奉公" (to serve the public). This semantic progression illustrates the character's adaptive journey through linguistic history, where it acquired layered connotations while retaining its essential association with devoted action.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

献了自己的青春。

Tā fèngxiàn le zìjǐ de qīngchūn.

He dedicated his youth.

命前来报到。

Wǒ fèngmìng qiánlái bàodào.

I have come to report as ordered.

他不喜欢承别人。

Tā bù xǐhuān fèngchéng biérén.

He doesn't like to flatter others.

我愿陪到底。

Wǒ yuàn fèngpéi dàodǐ.

I am willing to keep you company to the end.

这本书我会还给你。

Zhè běn shū wǒ huì fènghuán gěi nǐ.

I will return this book to you.

我们必须行这项政策。

Wǒmen bìxū fèngxíng zhè xiàng zhèngcè.

We must implement this policy.

本店免费送礼品。

Běn diàn miǎnfèi fèngsòng lǐpǐn.

This store offers gifts for free.

详情容我日后告。

Xiángqíng róng wǒ rìhòu fènggào.

Details will be informed to you later.