About
菲 is a phonosemantic compound: the grass radical 艹 on top places it in the plant category, while 非 below indicates its sound. In early usage, it referred to a specific edible herb, likely a type of radish, cultivated in ancient agricultural societies. With a level tone (fēi), it describes the rich fragrance of blooming flowers and, by extension, lush or luxuriant vegetation. When the tone changes (fěi), the meaning shifts to an almost opposite sense: humble, meager, or of little material value, especially in the context of gifts or offerings.
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Example Sentences Hide
菲菲是我的好朋友。
菲律宾是一个美丽的国家。
这种菲林很昂贵。
我们计划明年去菲律宾旅行。
花园里花香菲菲。
他菲薄的收入难以维生。
尽管礼物菲薄，但心意深厚。
他对自己的成就持菲薄态度，从不骄傲。
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