Definitions

fēn (noun) fragrance; perfume

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "芬" is structured with the grass radical 艹 placed above the component 分, which primarily serves a phonetic function while also evoking the idea of something being divided or dispersed. This construction reflects an etymological association with the spreading scent of plants, leading to its long-standing meaning of fragrance or aroma. Throughout its history, the character has retained this core sense, evident in classical texts and modern compounds such as 芬芳, though it has also been commonly employed in personal names without significant alteration to its fundamental meaning.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 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

这朵花很芳。

Zhè duǒ huā hěn fēnfāng.

This flower is very fragrant.

花园里弥漫着芳。

Huāyuán lǐ mímàn zhe fēnfāng.

The garden is permeated with fragrance.

兰是一个美丽的国家。

Fēnlán shì yīgè měilì de guójiā.

Finland is a beautiful country.

她身上有淡淡的香。

Tā shēnshàng yǒu dàndàn de fēnxiāng.

She has a light fragrance on her.

这种香水散发出持久芳。

Zhè zhǒng xiāngshuǐ sànfā chū chíjiǔ fēnfāng.

This perfume emits a long-lasting fragrance.

芳香氛中,他感到放松。

Zài fēnfāng xiāngfēn zhōng, tā gǎndào fàngsōng.

In the fragrant aroma, he felt relaxed.

经过芳香薰治疗,她睡眠更好。

Jīngguò fēnfāng xiāngxūn zhìliáo, tā shuìmián gèng hǎo.

After aromatic therapy, she sleeps better.

兰的森林里充满了自然芳的气息。

Fēnlán de sēnlín lǐ chōngmǎn le zìrán fēnfāng de qìxī.

The forests in Finland are filled with the scent of natural fragrance.