Definitions
(adverb)
not; wrong; incorrect
(particle)
non-; un-; in-
(verb)
to reproach; to blame
Etymology
Depicts two people facing opposite directions.
About
The character "非" derives from an early pictograph depicting two wings opposing each other, which embodied the concept of separation or contrariety. Its symmetrical structure, with mirrored elements divided by a central line, visually emphasizes this sense of bilateral opposition. Originally referring to the physical act of flying apart, the character gradually assumed more abstract functions, primarily serving as a grammatical negator meaning "not" or "wrong". This semantic shift allowed "非" to become integral in forming negatives and contrasts, and it later acquired intensifying roles in certain lexical compounds, while its graphical form has persisted without major modification.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我非常高兴。
这是一个非正式会议。
这些商品是非卖品。
非洲有很多野生动物。
他的行为引起了非议。
他非但没有道歉，还生气了。
这个项目非常重要，非完成不可。
在非工作日，公司通常不营业。