吩咐 در ۳۰ ثانیه
- A verb meaning 'to instruct' or 'to tell,' used by superiors to subordinates for specific tasks.
- Commonly found in workplace and family settings to denote authority and task delegation.
- Implies a hierarchy where the speaker has the right to give orders to the listener.
- Can also be used as a noun meaning 'instructions' or 'directives' from a person in power.
The Chinese word 吩咐 (fēnfù) is a verb that primarily translates to "to instruct," "to tell," or "to command." However, its usage is deeply rooted in the social hierarchies of Chinese culture. It is not a simple synonym for "to say" or "to tell" (告诉). Instead, it carries the weight of authority. When someone 吩咐 you to do something, they are usually in a position of power—be it a boss to an employee, a teacher to a student, or an elder to a younger family member. The word implies that the speaker is giving specific directions or tasks that the listener is expected to carry out. In modern contexts, it is frequently heard in the workplace when a manager delegates tasks or at home when parents give chores to their children.
- Social Hierarchy
- The term is unidirectional; a subordinate would almost never '吩咐' a superior. Doing so would be considered extremely rude or arrogant.
- Task Orientation
- It specifically refers to the act of giving instructions for a task, rather than sharing general information or chatting.
- Tone and Register
- While it is a command, it is not as harsh as '命令' (to order). It feels more like a standard administrative or familial instruction.
经理昨天吩咐我把这份报告在下周一之前准备好。(The manager instructed me to have this report ready before next Monday.)
Historically, 吩咐 was the language of the court and the household. In traditional Chinese literature, you will see masters '吩咐' their servants or generals '吩咐' their subordinates. Both characters, 吩 and 咐, contain the 'mouth' (口) radical, emphasizing that these are spoken instructions. In a contemporary setting, using this word can sometimes sound slightly formal or even old-fashioned if used in a very casual peer-to-peer relationship, which is why it is often reserved for clear hierarchical structures.
奶奶吩咐我们要经常回家看看。(Grandmother instructed us to come home and visit often.)
In terms of frequency, 吩咐 is a staple of the B2 level because it bridges the gap between basic verbs like 叫 (jiào - to call/tell) and more formal, specific verbs like 指示 (zhǐshì - to direct/indicate). Understanding 吩咐 helps learners navigate professional environments in China where the hierarchy is often more pronounced than in Western cultures. It is also a key word for understanding drama scripts, especially historical ones (古装剧), where the power dynamics are a central theme.
医生吩咐病人要按时吃药，多休息。(The doctor instructed the patient to take medicine on time and rest more.)
- Synonym Contrast
- Compared to '嘱咐' (zhǔfù), which is more about caring advice (like 'don't forget your umbrella'), '吩咐' is more about task execution.
这件事我会按照您的吩咐去办。(I will handle this matter according to your instructions.)
The grammatical structure of 吩咐 is quite straightforward. It most commonly follows the pattern: Subject + 吩咐 + Object (Person) + [to do] + Something. This makes it a causative verb, similar to 'tell' or 'ask' in English. It can also be used as a noun, meaning 'instructions' or 'commands,' often appearing after possessive pronouns or in the structure 听从...的吩咐 (to follow someone's instructions).
- Verb Usage
- Example: 老师吩咐学生们把课本打开。(The teacher instructed the students to open their textbooks.) Here, the teacher is the authority giving a specific task.
- Noun Usage
- Example: 我只是在执行领导的吩咐。(I am just carrying out the leader's instructions.) In this case, 吩咐 acts as the direct object of the verb 执行 (to execute).
他临走前特别吩咐我，一定要锁好门。(Before leaving, he specifically instructed me to make sure the door is locked.)
One important nuance is that 吩咐 is almost always oral. While you can '吩咐' someone in writing, the word itself evokes the image of someone speaking. If the instruction is purely formal and written, words like '指示' (zhǐshì) or '通知' (tōngzhī) might be more appropriate. Additionally, 吩咐 can be used in a passive-like sense when combined with '按照' (according to) or '遵照' (in compliance with).
我们一定要遵照上级的吩咐办事。(We must act in compliance with the instructions of our superiors.)
When using 吩咐, the tone is decisive. It does not invite negotiation. If a parent '吩咐' a child to clean their room, the expectation is immediate compliance. This differs from '商量' (shāngliang - to discuss/consult). Therefore, when writing or speaking, use 吩咐 when the power dynamic is clear and the instruction is non-negotiable.
父亲吩咐儿子去给客人倒茶。(The father told his son to go and pour tea for the guests.)
- Common Complements
- 吩咐下去 (fēnfù xiàqù) - to pass the instructions down the chain of command.
- 听从吩咐 (tīngcóng fēnfù) - to obey instructions.
老板吩咐下去，全体员工明天加班。(The boss passed down instructions that all employees will work overtime tomorrow.)
In contemporary China, you will hear 吩咐 in several distinct environments. First and foremost is the workplace. While modern management often uses softer terms, a senior executive or a traditional business owner will still '吩咐' their assistants or lower-level staff. It signals a clear line of command. You might hear an assistant say into their phone, '好的，我这就按照老板的吩咐去办' (Okay, I'll handle it right now according to the boss's instructions).
- Historical Dramas (Wuxia/Period)
- This is perhaps where the word is most iconic. Emperors, generals, and sect leaders constantly '吩咐' their followers. Phrases like '谨遵吩咐' (I will follow your instructions faithfully) are common tropes.
- Family Life
- In traditional or more conservative families, grandparents or parents use this word to maintain order. It emphasizes the Confucian virtue of filial piety, where the elder's word is law.
在电影里，将军吩咐士兵们立刻出发。(In the movie, the general instructed the soldiers to set out immediately.)
Another common place is in service industries, though usually from the perspective of the customer. A polite waiter might ask a high-status customer, '您还有什么吩咐？' (Do you have any other instructions/requests?). This uses the word to elevate the customer's status, making them the 'commander' of the service. It is a form of linguistic politeness that acknowledges the customer's authority in that transaction.
酒店管家对客人说：“如果您有任何需要，请随时吩咐。” (The hotel butler said to the guest: "If you have any needs, please feel free to instruct me.")
Lastly, you will encounter 吩咐 in literature and news reports. When a high-ranking official gives a directive during an inspection, the media might report it as '某某领导吩咐要加强安全检查' (Leader So-and-so instructed to strengthen safety inspections). It adds a layer of formal authority to the statement. Understanding this word helps you decode the power structures present in Chinese social interactions and media representations.
老王吩咐徒弟，干活一定要细心。(Old Wang instructed his apprentice that he must be careful when working.)
- Professional Etiquette
- Using '吩咐' instead of '说' when referring to a boss's request shows that you respect their authority and take their instructions seriously.
The most frequent mistake learners make with 吩咐 is ignoring the directional nature of the word. Because it is translated as "tell," many learners use it in situations where a subordinate is speaking to a superior. For instance, a student should never '吩咐' a teacher. Instead, they should use '请求' (qǐngqiú - to request) or simply '问' (wèn - to ask). Using 吩咐 in the wrong direction can make you sound incredibly arrogant or poorly mannered.
- Mistake 1: Wrong Hierarchy
- Saying '我吩咐老板开会' (I instructed the boss to have a meeting) is wrong. Correct: '我提醒老板开会' (I reminded the boss to have a meeting).
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 嘱咐 (zhǔfù)
- Learners often use 吩咐 when they mean 嘱咐. 嘱咐 is used for caring advice (e.g., 'Wear a coat'). 吩咐 is for tasks (e.g., 'Finish the report').
错误：他吩咐我多喝热水。(Wrong: He instructed me to drink more hot water - sounds like a command).
正确：他嘱咐我多喝热水。(Correct: He urged/advised me to drink more hot water - sounds caring).
Another mistake is using 吩咐 for general information. If you just want to say 'He told me his name is John,' you cannot use 吩咐 because there is no instruction or task involved. Use 告诉 (gàosù) instead. 吩咐 must involve a verb phrase or a task that the recipient needs to perform. It is a 'doing' word, not just a 'saying' word.
错误：他吩咐我他明天不来。(Wrong: He instructed me he isn't coming tomorrow).
正确：他告诉我他明天不来。(Correct: He told me he isn't coming tomorrow).
Finally, some learners forget that 吩咐 can be a noun. They might try to use complicated structures when a simple '他的吩咐' would suffice. For example, instead of saying '他给我下的指示' (the instructions he gave me), in many contexts, '他的吩咐' is more natural and concise. Conversely, don't use 吩咐 as a noun for things like 'manuals' or 'guides'; those are '说明书' (shuōmíngshū) or '指南' (zhǐnán). 吩咐 is always about a specific directive from a specific person.
- Register Errors
- Using '吩咐' in a romantic relationship can be risky. Unless it's roleplay or a joke, it might sound like one partner is being overly controlling.
我一定要按照妈妈的吩咐，早点回家。(I must follow my mother's instructions and come home early.)
To truly master 吩咐, you must understand how it sits within a family of related words. Each has a slightly different flavor of authority, care, or formality. Choosing the right one shows a high level of Chinese proficiency (C1/C2 level sensitivity).
- 吩咐 (fēnfù) vs. 嘱咐 (zhǔfù)
- 吩咐 is task-oriented and authoritative. 嘱咐 is care-oriented. A boss '吩咐' you to finish a report; your mom '嘱咐' you to wear a scarf so you don't catch a cold.
- 吩咐 (fēnfù) vs. 命令 (mìnglìng)
- 命令 is a strict order or command, often military or legal. 吩咐 is softer and more common in daily life or general business. You '命令' a soldier to fire; you '吩咐' a clerk to file some papers.
- 吩咐 (fēnfù) vs. 指示 (zhǐshì)
- 指示 is more formal and often written. It is used by high-level government officials or in official documents. 吩咐 is usually oral and more personal.
- 吩咐 (fēnfù) vs. 交代 (jiāodài)
- 交代 means to hand over tasks or explain something clearly before leaving. It is more about the 'transfer' of responsibility. '把工作交代清楚' (Explain/hand over the work clearly).
虽然经理只是口头吩咐，但我也要认真对待。(Even though the manager only gave oral instructions, I must take them seriously.)
In some contexts, you might also consider 叫 (jiào) or 让 (ràng). These are much more common in casual speech. '妈妈叫我去买菜' (Mom told/called me to go buy groceries). Using 吩咐 here would make the situation sound much more formal or even slightly dramatic. If you want to sound more professional in a business email, you might use 安排 (ānpái) (to arrange) instead of 吩咐 to sound more like a teammate than a dictator.
他把重要的事情都交代给了秘书。(He handed over/explained all important matters to the secretary.)
Lastly, consider the word 派 (pài) (to assign/dispatch). If the instruction involves sending someone somewhere, '派' is often more specific. '经理派我去上海' (The manager dispatched me to Shanghai). However, once you are in Shanghai, the manager will '吩咐' you on what specifically to do there. Understanding these subtle boundaries will make your Chinese sound much more natural and precise.
将军下达了进攻的命令。(The general issued the order to attack.)
مثالها بر اساس سطح
老师吩咐我们看书。
The teacher told us to read books.
Simple Subject + 吩咐 + Object + Verb structure.
妈妈吩咐我洗手。
Mom told me to wash my hands.
Used for simple household tasks.
爸爸吩咐我去买牛奶。
Dad told me to go buy milk.
吩咐 used for an errand.
奶奶吩咐我早点睡。
Grandma told me to sleep early.
吩咐 used by an elder.
他吩咐我坐下。
He told me to sit down.
A simple direct instruction.
医生吩咐我多喝水。
The doctor told me to drink more water.
Professional instruction (doctor to patient).
姐姐吩咐我关门。
Big sister told me to close the door.
Used between siblings of different ages.
他吩咐我们别说话。
He told us not to talk.
Negative instruction (don't do something).
老板吩咐他准备会议。
The boss instructed him to prepare the meeting.
Workplace context.
经理吩咐我写一份报告。
The manager instructed me to write a report.
Specific task instruction.
老师吩咐大家明天带字典。
The teacher instructed everyone to bring a dictionary tomorrow.
吩咐 + plural object (大家).
妈妈吩咐我照顾妹妹。
Mom instructed me to take care of my younger sister.
Responsibility-based instruction.
他吩咐工人把箱子搬走。
He instructed the workers to move the boxes away.
Directing manual labor.
导游吩咐游客们不要走散。
The tour guide instructed the tourists not to wander off.
Safety instruction in a group.
爷爷吩咐我要好好学习。
Grandpa instructed me to study hard.
General life instruction from an elder.
主管吩咐我们准时参加培训。
The supervisor instructed us to attend the training on time.
Time-sensitive instruction.
我会按照您的吩咐去办这件事。
I will handle this matter according to your instructions.
Noun usage: 按照...的吩咐.
他临走前特别吩咐要锁好窗户。
Before leaving, he specifically instructed to lock the windows.
Using '特别' to emphasize the instruction.
这是经理的吩咐，我们必须执行。
This is the manager's instruction; we must execute it.
Noun usage emphasizing authority.
医生一再吩咐病人不能抽烟。
The doctor repeatedly instructed the patient not to smoke.
Using '一再' (repeatedly) for emphasis.
你有什么吩咐，请尽管直说。
If you have any instructions, please just say so.
Polite inquiry for tasks.
他吩咐秘书把这些文件复印一下。
He instructed the secretary to photocopy these documents.
Standard administrative instruction.
父亲吩咐儿子，到了北京要打电话报平安。
The father instructed his son to call and say he arrived safely once in Beijing.
Longer sentence with specific conditions.
领导吩咐，这次活动一定要办好。
The leader instructed that this event must be organized well.
General directive for a project.
他并没有吩咐我做这件事，是我自己想做的。
He didn't instruct me to do this; I wanted to do it myself.
Negative usage to clarify initiative.
只要你吩咐一声，我一定全力以赴。
As long as you give the word, I will definitely give it my all.
Using '一声' to mean 'a brief word/command'.
他虽然嘴上吩咐得好，但心里并不乐意。
Although he gave the instructions verbally, he wasn't happy in his heart.
Contrast between speech and feeling.
我们要听从上级的吩咐，不能擅自行动。
We must obey the instructions of our superiors and not act without authorization.
Formal workplace rule context.
他吩咐下属去调查一下这个项目的背景。
He instructed his subordinates to investigate the background of this project.
Research-oriented instruction.
王教授吩咐助手把实验数据整理出来。
Professor Wang instructed the assistant to organize the experimental data.
Academic/Professional instruction.
他反复吩咐，这件事千万不能泄露出去。
He repeatedly instructed that this matter must absolutely not be leaked.
Confidentiality instruction.
老厂长吩咐，要把安全生产放在第一位。
The old factory director instructed that safe production must be the top priority.
Policy-level instruction.
他那高傲的语气，听起来就像是在吩咐佣人。
His arrogant tone made it sound like he was giving orders to a servant.
Using '吩咐' to describe someone's attitude/tone.
谨遵您的吩咐，我这就去办。
I will faithfully follow your instructions; I'm going to handle it now.
High-register, formal response (often seen in dramas).
他只是随口吩咐了一句，没想到大家当真了。
He just gave a casual instruction, but he didn't expect everyone to take it seriously.
Nuance: '随口' (casually/offhandedly).
无论领导怎么吩咐，我们都要有自己的判断。
No matter how the leader instructs, we must have our own judgment.
Using '无论...都' for conditional logic.
他吩咐下去，让各部门立刻自查自纠。
He passed instructions down for all departments to immediately conduct self-inspections.
Using '吩咐下去' for organizational directives.
那人似乎习惯了吩咐别人，总是指手画脚。
That person seems used to giving orders to others, always gesturing and criticizing.
Describing a personality trait.
他临终前吩咐家人，要把他的骨灰撒入大海。
Before he passed away, he instructed his family to scatter his ashes into the sea.
Solemn, final instructions.
这份文件是根据董事会的吩咐起草的。
This document was drafted according to the instructions of the board of directors.
Corporate/Legal noun usage.
在那个等级森严的时代，下属只能唯唯诺诺地听从吩咐。
In that strictly hierarchical era, subordinates could only submissively follow instructions.
Historical/Sociological context.
他虽居高位，却从不轻易吩咐别人，总是以身作则。
Although he held a high position, he never gave orders lightly and always led by example.
Contrasting '吩咐' with '以身作则' (leading by example).
这种带有命令色彩的吩咐，让现在的年轻人很难接受。
This kind of instruction with a commanding tone is hard for today's youth to accept.
Social commentary on language use.
他把所有的细节都吩咐到了，可见其心思缜密。
He gave instructions for every single detail, which shows how meticulous he is.
Using '吩咐到了' to mean 'covered everything in instructions'.
这不仅仅是一次简单的吩咐，更是一次权力的展示。
This isn't just a simple instruction; it's a display of power.
Philosophical/Political analysis.
他吩咐家人不要声张，想低调处理这件事情。
He instructed his family not to make a fuss, wanting to handle the matter quietly.
Nuance: '不要声张' (don't make it public).
他那不容置喙的吩咐，让在场的人都感到一阵压力。
His indisputable instructions made everyone present feel a sense of pressure.
Using '不容置喙' (allowing no room for talk/objection).
古人云：‘父命不可违’，其吩咐往往具有绝对的权威。
As the ancients said, 'a father's command cannot be disobeyed'; his instructions often carried absolute authority.
Literary/Historical reference.
Summary
吩咐 (fēnfù) is your go-to word for 'instructing' someone below you in rank or age. Use it to sound professional in an office when discussing tasks from your boss. Example: '经理吩咐我完成这个任务' (The manager instructed me to complete this task).
- A verb meaning 'to instruct' or 'to tell,' used by superiors to subordinates for specific tasks.
- Commonly found in workplace and family settings to denote authority and task delegation.
- Implies a hierarchy where the speaker has the right to give orders to the listener.
- Can also be used as a noun meaning 'instructions' or 'directives' from a person in power.
مثال
经理吩咐他准备一份报告。
محتوای مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر daily_life
朝九晚五
B2از نه تا پنج؛ ساعات کاری منظم.
未免
B2کمی بیش از حد؛ واقعاً (دلالت بر افراط دارد). 'این قیمت کمی بیش از حد بالا است.'
废弃
B2رها کردن یا متوقف کردن استفاده از چیزی به طور دائمی (مانند کارخانه یا قانون).
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2هوا امروز بسیار غیرطبیعی است. (توصیف انحراف از حالت عادی.)
充裕
B2فراوان؛ کافی. اغلب برای زمان یا پول استفاده می شود.
充沛
B2فراوان؛ پر از انرژی. به عنوان مثال: 'او پر از انرژی است (精力充沛)'.
门禁卡
B2یک کارت تردد که برای باز کردن درهای الکترونیکی در ساختمانها استفاده میشود.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
