Definitions

fèn (noun) manure; dung; excrement

Etymology

Depicts two hands () using a dustpan () to sweep away garbage or feces. Based on the original meaning "to clean up". The meaning later shifted to "manure".

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "粪" originates from an early representation of clearing away waste, with its traditional form "糞" structurally combining elements like "米" for grain and "田" for field, indicating its longstanding association with agricultural practices. Initially conveying the action of cleaning or discarding refuse, its meaning over time narrowed specifically to denote excrement, particularly as it became valued as a nutrient source for soil. The character's composition evolved through informal usage towards a simpler configuration, preserving the core concept while shifting semantically from a verb to a noun that firmly identifies animal or human dung employed in cultivation.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

农民用肥田。

Nóngmín yòng fèn féi tián.

Farmers use manure to fertilize the fields.

清理动物便很麻烦。

Qīnglǐ dòngwù fènbiàn hěn máfan.

Cleaning up animal waste is troublesome.

便是很好的肥料。

Fènbiàn shì hěn hǎo de féiliào.

Manure is excellent fertilizer.

坑需要定期清理。

Fènkēng xūyào dìngqī qīnglǐ.

The manure pit needs to be cleaned regularly.

他对肥发酵很有研究。

Tā duì fènféi fājiào hěn yǒu yánjiū.

He has done extensive research on manure fermentation.

这些料经过处理才能使用。

Zhèxiē fènliào jīngguò chǔlǐ cáinéng shǐyòng.

This manure material must be processed before use.

污资源化利用是环保课题。

Fènwū zīyuán huà lìyòng shì huánbǎo kètí.

The resource utilization of fecal waste is an environmental protection topic.

未经无害化处理的便会传播疾病。

Wèi jīng wúhàihuà chǔlǐ de fènbiàn huì chuánbō jíbìng.

Manure that hasn't undergone harmless treatment can spread diseases.