浮Tone 2

fú ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

浮 · fú

float;

drift;

superficial;

temporary;

excessive;

to exceed

floatdriftsuperficial

Usage highlights

to floatfloating cloudssuperficialostentatiousbuoyancyfloating population

Synonyms

漂— to float, to drift
飘— to float in air, to flutter
泛— to float, to be adrift

Antonyms

沉— to sink, to submerge
稳— stable, steady
实— solid, substantial

Usage & contexts

Examples

The wood floats on water (木头浮在水上).
He has a superficial understanding (他的理解很浮浅).
Floating clouds drift by (浮云飘过).
Prices fluctuate (价格浮动).
She feels light-headed (她感觉头晕目眩).

Collocations

to float(浮动)
floating clouds(浮云)
superficial(浮浅)
ostentatious(浮华)
buoyancy(浮力)
floating population(浮民)

Idioms

Frivolous and impetuous(浮浮躁躁)
Superficial and shallow(浮光掠影)
Living from hand to mouth(浮生若梦)
Frivolous and flashy(浮华不实)
Restless and unsettled(心浮气躁)

Cultural background

In Chinese philosophy, '浮' represents impermanence and lack of substance, contrasting with '沉' (sinking) which represents stability.
Buddhist concept of '浮生' (floating life) refers to the transient nature of human existence.
In traditional Chinese medicine, '浮脉' (floating pulse) indicates exterior syndromes.

FAQ