繁 (fán) - numerous, complex, intricate & to multiply, to propagate

繁Tone 2

fán ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

恩丰

繁 · fán

numerous, complex, intricate;

to multiply, to propagate;

traditional form of 繁 meaning 'complicated'

numerous, complex, intricateto multiply, to propagatetraditional form of 繁 meaning 'complicated'

Usage highlights

complicated and numeroustraditional Chinese charactersreproductionprosperous and bustlingcomplicated and tediousflourishing literature

Synonyms

  • 多— many, much
  • 复— complex, compound
  • 杂— mixed, miscellaneous

Antonyms

  • 简— simple, brief
  • 少— few, little
  • 单— single, simple

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The procedure is quite complex (程序很繁琐).
  • The population multiplied rapidly (人口繁育迅速).
  • Traditional Chinese characters are called 繁体字.
  • This task involves numerous details (这项任务细节繁多).

Collocations

  • complicated and numerous(繁多)
  • traditional Chinese characters(繁体字)
  • reproduction(繁殖)
  • prosperous and bustling(繁华)
  • complicated and tedious(繁琐)
  • flourishing literature(繁文)

Idioms

  • Cut the complicated and save the simple(删繁就简)
  • Too many branches and leaves — overelaborate(枝繁叶茂)
  • Numerous stars surrounding the moon — many subjects paying homage to their ruler(众星繁拱)
  • Prosperous and bustling(繁华似锦)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 繁 appears in 繁体字 referring to traditional Chinese characters, contrasting with simplified characters (简体字).
  • In classical texts, 繁 often conveys abundance and complexity, sometimes with positive connotations of prosperity.
  • The character's structure with 糸 (silk thread) suggests intricate weaving or complexity.

FAQ