非 (fēi) - not & non-

非Tone 1

fēi ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 非

恩丰

非 · fēi

not;

non-;

un-;

wrong;

to oppose;

to blame;

Africa (abbreviation);

must;

simply must

notnon-un-

Usage highlights

VeryAfricaUnusualIllegalNo choice but toWrongdoing

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 是— yes; correct
  • 对— correct; right

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This is not correct (非常不对).
  • He is a non-smoker (非吸烟者).
  • It is a very important matter (非常重要的事情).
  • We must oppose this injustice (反对非正义).

Collocations

  • Very(非常)
  • Africa(非洲)
  • Unusual(非凡)
  • Illegal(非法)
  • No choice but to(非得)
  • Wrongdoing(是非)

Idioms

  • To learn from past mistakes(今是昨非)
  • To blame others unjustly(非议他人)
  • Unusual talent(非凡才能)
  • To insist on having one's own way(非此不可)
  • Right and wrong(是非曲直)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted two wings facing opposite directions, conveying the meaning of 'opposite' or 'contrary'.
  • In Confucian thought, '是非' (shì fēi) refers to the distinction between right and wrong, a fundamental moral concept.
  • Used in modern abbreviations, most notably for Africa (非洲 Fēizhōu).

FAQ