Definitions

fěi phonetic fei or fi; (literary) rich with literary elegance; phi (Greek letter Φ, φ)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 斐, structurally composed of the components 非 and 文, etymologically traces back to early connotations of patterned decoration and vivid coloration, often describing adorned surfaces or textiles in classical literature. Its meaning gradually shifted from denoting physical embellishment toward abstract qualities of literary refinement and distinguished excellence, as evidenced in historical texts where it praised eloquent writing or commendable achievements. The element 文 consistently reinforces its association with cultural and textual elegance, while 非 primarily served a phonetic role yet may have originally contributed a nuanced sense of contrast that informed its descriptive function. Over time, the character’s semantic field stabilized around ideas of aesthetic appeal and outstanding merit, perpetuating its use in compounds that highlight brilliance or praiseworthy traits without substantial change to its fundamental form or core significance.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的成绩然。

Tā de chéngjì fěirán.

His achievements are brilliant.

这次活动成效然。

Zhè cì huódòng chéngxiào fěirán.

This event has achieved remarkable results.

她以文采然著称。

Tā yǐ wéncǎi fěirán zhùchēng.

She is known for her brilliant literary talent.

该项目的研究成果然。

Gāi xiàngmù de yánjiū chéngguǒ fěirán.

The research results of this project are outstanding.

他的演讲风格然,吸引了许多听众。

Tā de yǎnjiǎng fēnggé fěirán, xīyǐnle xǔduō tīngzhòng.

His speech style is brilliant, attracting many listeners.

在学术领域,他的贡献然,备受尊敬。

Zài xuéshù lǐngyù, tā de gòngxiàn fěirán, bèi shòu zūnjìng.

In the academic field, his contributions are brilliant and highly respected.

这部小说情节曲折,文笔然,深受读者喜爱。

Zhè bù xiǎoshuō qíngjié qūzhé, wénbǐ fěirán, shēn shòu dúzhě xǐ'ài.

This novel has a twisted plot and brilliant writing, deeply loved by readers.

尽管面临诸多挑战,团队依然取得了然的业绩。

Jǐnguǎn miànlín zhūduō tiǎozhàn, tuánduì yīrán qǔdéle fěirán de yèjì.

Despite facing many challenges, the team still achieved brilliant performance.