Definitions

fēn (noun) atmosphere; mood

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

Composed of the semantic element "气" for air and the phonetic element "分", the character "氛" originally denoted atmospheric signs or vapors considered omens in early Chinese literature, reflecting a worldview where the air held prognostic significance. Its usage evolved from this specific sense of portentous air to a more general reference to the atmosphere or mood of a situation, gradually losing its association with divination. Over centuries, the character became primarily employed in modern compounds like "气氛" to indicate the prevailing ambiance or emotional tone of a setting, marking a shift from a specialized term to a common descriptor for environmental and social feel.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

这里的围很轻松。

Zhèlǐ de fēnwéi hěn qīngsōng.

The atmosphere here is very relaxed.

聚会的气非常热烈。

Jùhuì de qìfēn fēicháng rèliè.

The party atmosphere is very lively.

办公室的工作围很紧张。

Bàngōngshì de gōngzuò fēnwéi hěn jǐnzhāng.

The work atmosphere in the office is very tense.

节日给城市带来了欢乐的围。

Jiérì gěi chéngshì dàilái le huānlè de fēnwéi.

The festival brought a joyful atmosphere to the city.

紧张的气让每个人都感到压力。

Jǐnzhāng de qìfēn ràng měi gè rén dōu gǎndào yālì.

The tense atmosphere makes everyone feel pressure.

通过装饰,我们营造了温馨的家庭围。

Tōngguò zhuāngshì, wǒmen yíngzào le wēnxīn de jiātíng fēnwéi.

Through decoration, we created a warm family atmosphere.

在讨论中,积极的气有助于达成共识。

Zài tǎolùn zhōng, jījí de qìfēn yǒuzhù yú dáchéng gòngshí.

In discussions, a positive atmosphere helps in reaching consensus.

尽管外部环境嘈杂,但图书馆内依然保持着宁静的学术围。

Jǐnguǎn wàibù huánjìng cáozá, dàn túshūguǎn nèi yīrán bǎochí zhe níngjìng de xuéshù fēnwéi.

Despite the noisy external environment, the library still maintains a quiet academic atmosphere.