副 (fù) - Deputy, secondary, auxiliary & also used as a measure word for sets,

副Tone 4

fù ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

副 · fù

Deputy, secondary, auxiliary;

also used as a measure word for sets, pairs, or facial expressions.

Deputy, secondary, auxiliaryalso used as a measure word for sets,

Usage highlights

Deputy directorVice presidentAuxiliary roleSet of toolsPair of glovesFacial expression

Synonyms

  • 辅— to assist, auxiliary
  • 助— to help, assistant
  • 次— secondary, next in rank

Antonyms

  • 正— primary, main, principal
  • 主— main, primary, leading

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is the deputy director (副主任).
  • This is a pair of glasses (一副眼镜).
  • She made a serious face (一副严肃的表情).
  • He plays a supporting role (副角色).

Collocations

  • Deputy director(副主任)
  • Vice president(副总统)
  • Auxiliary role(副角色)
  • Set of tools(一副工具)
  • Pair of gloves(一副手套)
  • Facial expression(一副表情)

Idioms

  • To play a supporting role(唱副角)
  • Positive and negative aspects(正副两面)
  • To be nominal while others hold real power(名正言副)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese organizational structure, '副' denotes secondary or assistant positions, reflecting hierarchy.
  • As a measure word, '副' often refers to items that come in pairs or sets, emphasizing completeness.
  • The character combines '畐' (abundance) and '刂' (knife), suggesting division or apportionment from a whole.

FAQ