撫 (fǔ) - To stroke & to caress
撫 · fǔ
To stroke;
to caress;
to comfort;
to console;
to pacify;
to nurture;
to raise;
to bring up.
To stroketo caressto comfort
Usage highlights
To stroke gentlyTo comfort and consoleTo raise and educateTo pacify and stabilizeTo pat on the backTo cherish the people
Usage & contexts
Examples
- The mother gently stroked the child's head (抚摸孩子的头).
- The government provided aid to comfort the victims (抚慰灾民).
- He was raised by his grandmother (由祖母抚养长大).
- The official was sent to pacify the border region (抚定边疆).
Collocations
- To stroke gently(抚摸)
- To comfort and console(抚慰)
- To raise and educate(抚养)
- To pacify and stabilize(抚定)
- To pat on the back(抚背)
- To cherish the people(抚民)
Idioms
- To console the living and mourn the dead(抚生悼死)
- To stroke the chest and stamp the feet (in grief or regret)(抚膺顿足)
- To cherish the old and nurture the young(抚老育幼)
- To self-reflect with hand on heart(抚心自问)
Cultural background
FAQ- In traditional Chinese governance, '抚' was a key concept for benevolent rule, meaning to pacify and care for the people.
- The character embodies Confucian ideals of paternal care and nurturing in family and political relationships.
- In martial arts and medicine, '抚' represents gentle, healing touch as opposed to aggressive manipulation.