Definitions

(noun) sign; symbol; mark
(verb) to correspond to; to coincide with
(noun) talisman; charm

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "符" structurally integrates the bamboo radical "竹" with the phonetic component "付", a combination that etymologically points to its original function as a bamboo tally slip split into two parts for verification upon reunion. Its early meaning centered on these physical tokens used in administrative and military contexts to convey authority or authenticate messages, relying on the matching principle inherent in the component "付". From this concrete origin, the term gradually acquired broader applications, extending to describe charms and talismans often inscribed with symbolic text, thereby embracing a layer of spiritual or mystical significance. This evolution continued as the character came to denote any kind of sign, symbol, or code, abstractly capturing the idea of a representative mark that corresponds to or conforms with a set meaning, as reflected in contemporary usage within words pertaining to symbols and compliance.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal 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

这个号很常见。

Zhège fúhào hěn chángjiàn.

This symbol is very common.

他的行为合规定。

Tā de xíngwéi fúhé guīdìng.

His behavior conforms to the rules.

音乐中有很多音

Yīnyuè zhōng yǒu hěnduō yīnfú.

There are many musical notes in music.

她戴了一个护身

Tā dàile yīgè hùshēnfú.

She is wearing an amulet.

这些数据不事实。

Zhèxiē shùjù bùfú shìshí.

These data do not accord with the facts.

编程时常用字变量。

Biānchéng shí cháng yòng zìfú biànliàng.

When programming, character variables are often used.

古代节用于验证身份。

Gǔdài fújié yòng yú yànzhèng shēnfèn.

In ancient times, tallies were used to verify identity.

这道咒据说能驱邪。

Zhè dào fúzhòu jùshuō néng qūxié.

This charm is said to ward off evil spirits.