Definitions

(particle) not

Etymology

Depicts rope wrapped around two pieces of wood to keep them straight. Based on the original meaning "straighten". The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

About

The character "弗" is structured with the component "弓" representing a bow and a vertical stroke "丨", its etymology suggesting an early connection to the concept of straightening or correcting using a bow. Originally possessing a verbal sense associated with this action, the character's function shifted to serve as a negative particle in classical Chinese, conveying meanings such as "not" or "do not". This grammatical role became predominant, and in modern usage it appears primarily in fixed literary phrases, with its original concrete meaning having faded from common use.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

朗西斯是我的英文老师。

Fú lǎng xī sī shì wǒ de yīng wén lǎo shī.

Francis is my English teacher.

佛罗里达州的气候很温暖。

Fó luó lǐ dá zhōu de qì hòu hěn wēn nuǎn.

Florida's climate is very warm.

这种药物有不良反应。

Zhè zhǒng yào wù yǒu bù liáng fǎn yìng.

This medication has adverse reactions.

他果断地拒绝了邀请。

Tā guǒduàn de jùjué le yāoqǐng.

He decisively declined the invitation.

这个传说充满了神秘的氛围。

Zhège chuánshuō chōngmǎn le shénmì de fēnwéi.

This legend is filled with a mysterious atmosphere.

佛陀的教诲影响深远。

Fó tuó de jiào huì yǐngxiǎng shēnyuǎn.

The Buddha's teachings have a profound influence.

他仿佛看到了过去的影子。

Tā fǎngfú kàn dào le guòqù de yǐngzi.

It was as if he saw a shadow of the past.

这片土地曾是届之地。

Zhè piàn tǔdì céng shì fú jiè zhī dì.

This land was once an unreachable/forgotten land.