About
The character "菲" is structured with the grass radical (艹) positioned above the phonetic component "非", linking it thematically to vegetation. Its earliest meanings centered on a specific plant, often identified as a type of radish or turnip. From this botanical origin, the term broadened to describe qualities associated with such plants, including fragrance or luxuriant appearance in literary contexts. Over time, these associations further evolved to convey notions of insignificance or humility, as exemplified in compounds like "菲薄", which means to treat as meager or undervalue. This progression from a concrete plant name to abstract descriptive uses illustrates the character's semantic expansion.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
菲菲是我的好朋友。
菲律宾是一个美丽的国家。
这种菲林很昂贵。
我们计划明年去菲律宾旅行。
花园里花香菲菲。
他菲薄的收入难以维生。
尽管礼物菲薄，但心意深厚。
他对自己的成就持菲薄态度，从不骄傲。