负

負

fù

贝 + 𠂊

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

fù (verb) to carry; to bear (on one's back)

fù (adjective) negative; minus

fù (verb) to be defeated

Etymology

Simplified form of 負. Depicts a person (人) carrying shells (贝) on their back.

About

负 is the simplified counterpart of the traditional 負. Structurally, it places the upper component ⺈, a variant of 人 (person) that often depicts a leaning human figure, above the shell radical 贝, which historically represents currency, wealth, or material goods. This combination creates a vivid picture of someone bearing a heavy bag of cowrie shells upon their back, and it expressed the original, concrete meaning: the physical action of shouldering a burden. From that literal foundation, the character's usage expanded into wider abstract domains. Today it conveys carrying responsibilities, being in debt, suffering a loss or defeat in competition, and, in mathematics, the notion of negative values.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我负责打扫房间。

Wǒ fùzé dǎsǎo fángjiān.

I am responsible for cleaning the room.

这对他是个负担。

Zhè duì tā shì gè fùdān.

This is a burden for him.

负面消息不好。

Fùmiàn xiāoxi bù hǎo.

Negative news is not good.

他不想辜负父母。

Tā bù xiǎng gūfù fùmǔ.

He does not want to let down his parents.

我负担不起学费。

Wǒ fùdān bù qǐ xuéfèi.

I cannot afford the tuition fees.

他的自负让人讨厌。

Tā de zìfù ràng rén tǎoyàn.

His conceit makes people dislike him.

他在战斗中负伤了。

Tā zài zhàndòu zhōng fùshāng le.

He was wounded in battle.

负利率会影响经济。

Fù lìlǜ huì yǐngxiǎng jīngjì.

Negative interest rates will affect the economy.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 贝

Component: 𠂊

负