() — symbol; sign; mark (used in writing, music, mathematics, etc.); talisman; magic figure (Daoist charm); (surname) Fu

Definition

符 covers two unrelated meanings: a written mark (music sharp ♯, math symbol, etc.) and a Daoist talisman (charm drawn to ward off evil). Example 1 is the symbol sense; example 2 is the talisman.

noun
symbolsignmark (used in writing, music, mathematics, etc.)talismanmagic figure (Daoist charm)(surname) Fu
Measure word ·

Examples

  • Zhè ge fú shì yīn yuè zhōng de shēng hào.
    This symbol is the sharp sign in music.
  • Dào shi huà le yí dào fú, yòng lái qū xié.
    The Daoist priest drew a talisman to ward off evil.
  • Wǒ de lǎo shī xìng fú, dà jiā dōu jiào tā fú lǎo shī.
    My teacher's surname is Fu, and everyone calls him Teacher Fu.

Origin

Sound + meaning
六书liùshū
形声xíngshēng

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
𥫗Written in full aszhúbamboo
Sound part声符shēngfú
Same sound today

符 puts the bamboo form 竹, written 𥫗 on top, above 付, which gives the sound.

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