What is the main meaning of 抚?

The core meanings are: 1) to stroke or caress physically; 2) to comfort or console emotionally; 3) to pacify or stabilize politically; 4) to nurture or raise (as in抚养 children).

Is 抚 commonly used in modern Chinese names?

抚 is relatively rare in modern given names but can be found, usually conveying gentle, caring, or comforting qualities. It's more common in compound words than as a standalone name character.

What are good name pairings with 抚?

抚 pairs well with characters that reinforce its gentle, nurturing qualities:

抚Tone 3

fǔ ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 扌

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抚 · fǔ

To stroke;

to caress;

to comfort;

to console;

to pacify;

to nurture;

to raise.

To stroketo caressto comfort

Usage highlights

To stroke gentlyTo comfort and consolePension for the disabled or bereavedTo pacify and stabilizeTo nurture and raiseTo caress lovingly

Synonyms

摸— to touch, to feel
安慰— to comfort, to console
安抚— to pacify, to soothe
抚养— to raise, to bring up

Antonyms

打— to hit, to strike
伤害— to harm, to injure
虐待— to abuse, to mistreat

Usage & contexts

Examples

The mother gently stroked the child's head (抚摸孩子的头).
The government provides subsidies to support orphans (抚恤孤儿).
He tried to comfort his crying friend (抚慰哭泣的朋友).
This policy aims to pacify the border regions (抚边政策).

Collocations

To stroke gently(抚摸)
To comfort and console(抚慰)
Pension for the disabled or bereaved(抚恤)
To pacify and stabilize(抚定)
To nurture and raise(抚养)
To caress lovingly(抚爱)

Idioms

To console the living and mourn the dead(抚生悼死)
To stroke the long sword and sing with deep feeling(抚剑长吟)
To stroke the chest and sigh(抚膺长叹)
To comfort the people and punish the wicked(抚民惩恶)

Cultural background

FAQ

In traditional Chinese culture, '抚' embodies the Confucian ideal of benevolent governance, where rulers should comfort and care for their subjects.
The character reflects the importance of physical touch and emotional comfort in Chinese family relationships, particularly in parent-child bonding.
Historically used in administrative terms for policies aimed at pacifying border regions and comforting the people.

抚 (fǔ) - To stroke & to caress