Definitions

fàn (verb) to violate; to commit a crime
fàn (verb) to make a mistake
fàn (noun) crime; offense

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and 𢎘 represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 犯, which remains identical in its traditional and simplified forms, is etymologically composed of the dog radical (犭) on the left and the component 㔾 on the right. This structure suggests a conceptual link to aggression or transgression, with one interpretation being that of a dog attacking or overstepping a boundary. The core meaning has consistently centered on the idea of violation or encroachment, beginning with concrete notions of intrusion or assault and extending to the abstract realm of breaking rules or laws. Over time, its application broadened from describing physical conflicts to denoting the act of committing crimes, offenses, or errors, thereby encompassing both legal and moral wrongdoing. The right-hand component 㔾 also functions phonetically to indicate sound, though its contribution to the modern pronunciation is indirect.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

了一个错误。

Tā fànle yīgè cuòwù.

He made a mistake.

不要同样的错误。

Bùyào fàn tóngyàng de cuòwù.

Don't make the same mistake.

罪是不对的。

Fànzuì shì bù duì de.

Crime is wrong.

在比赛中,他经常规。

Zài bǐsài zhōng, tā jīngcháng fànguī.

In the game, he often fouls.

了法,被逮捕了。

Tā fànle fǎ, bèi dàibǔle.

He broke the law and was arrested.

这种行为侵了权利。

Zhè zhǒng xíngwéi qīnfànle quánlì.

This behavior infringes on rights.

有严重罪行。

Tā fàn yǒu yánzhòng zuìxíng.

He committed a serious crime.

尽管他知道规则,但还是故意了规。

Jǐnguǎn tā zhīdào guīzé, dàn háishì gùyì fànle guī.

Even though he knew the rules, he still intentionally fouled.