B2 verb Formal 1 min read

吩咐

fenfu /fən⁵⁵ fu⁵¹/
Practice it

Fēn fù is a polite yet authoritative way to delegate tasks or give instructions.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • To instruct someone to do something.
  • Often used by superiors or elders.
  • Implies a sense of care or duty.

Overview

  1. 1概述：吩咐（fēnfù）是一个典型的中文动词，常用于表达“嘱托”或“指示”。它不仅仅是简单的告诉，往往包含了一种长辈对晚辈的关爱，或者上级对下级的管理色彩。2) 用法模式：该词通常后面跟具体的动作或内容。结构为“主语 + 吩咐 + 宾语（人） + 动作”，例如“经理吩咐秘书准备会议资料”。有时也可以直接跟从句，表示“吩咐（某人）去做某事”。3) 常见语境：在家庭中，父母常用此词交代子女注意安全；在职场中，主管用此词分配具体工作；在文学作品或影视剧中，常出现“主人吩咐仆人”的场景，带有一定的等级色彩。4) 近义词辨析：与“告诉”相比，“吩咐”带有指令性；与“命令”相比，“吩咐”的语气更温和，通常不包含强制性，更多的是一种任务交代或叮嘱。例如，“命令”用于军队或紧急情况，“吩咐”则用于日常协作或照顾。

Examples

1

老板吩咐秘书把会议时间改到下午。

everyday

The boss instructed the secretary to change the meeting time to the afternoon.

2

医生吩咐病人要按时吃药，多喝水。

formal

The doctor instructed the patient to take medicine on time and drink more water.

3

奶奶总是吩咐我出门要带伞。

informal

Grandma always tells me to take an umbrella when I go out.

4

将军吩咐士兵严密防守城门。

academic

The general ordered the soldiers to guard the gate strictly.

Common Collocations

听候吩咐 Wait for instructions
再三吩咐 Instructed repeatedly
遵照吩咐 Follow instructions

Common Phrases

有何吩咐

What are your instructions?

按照吩咐

According to instructions

谨遵吩咐

Respectfully follow instructions

Often Confused With

吩咐 vs 嘱咐

嘱咐 emphasizes the caring aspect of advice, often used by elders for younger people to ensure safety or well-being. 吩咐 emphasizes the task-oriented instruction.

吩咐 vs 命令

命令 is strictly authoritative and mandatory, often used in military or absolute power settings. 吩咐 is more flexible and polite.

Grammar Patterns

主语 + 吩咐 + 宾语 + 动词短语 主语 + 吩咐 + 宾语 + 内容 被动式：被（某人）吩咐做某事

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Use '吩咐' when you are in a higher position or have the authority to assign tasks. It is generally formal but can be used in intimate relationships (like grandparents to grandchildren) to express care. Avoid using it with superiors unless in a very specific 'at your service' context.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use it interchangeably with '告诉' (tell). Remember that '告诉' is neutral, while '吩咐' implies a hierarchy. Also, do not use it when asking for help from a friend, as it sounds too bossy.

Tips

💡

Use it for task delegation

Use '吩咐' when you are in a position to delegate a task to someone. It sounds professional yet caring.

⚠️

Avoid using with equals

Do not use this word with peers or friends as it may imply you are superior to them. It can sound patronizing.

🌍

Confucian influence on language

The usage reflects hierarchical relationships in Chinese culture. It highlights the responsibility of the elder/superior to guide the younger/subordinate.

Word Origin

The word stems from traditional Chinese social structures where guidance was passed down from elders. It combines the action of speaking with the concept of duty and entrustment.

Cultural Context

The word reflects the Confucian value of hierarchy. In traditional culture, the 'superior' is responsible for guiding the 'inferior', making '吩咐' a sign of leadership and protective guidance.

Memory Tip

Think of '吩咐' as 'Fēn' (divide/allocate) + 'Fù' (entrust/give). You are allocating a task and entrusting it to someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“命令”语气强硬，带有强制性，通常用于权力高度不对等的场合。而“吩咐”语气较委婉，既可以是上对下的指示，也可以是长辈对晚辈的叮嘱，感情色彩更丰富。

可以，这是一种非常礼貌且略带谦卑的表达方式，表示你愿意接受任务。但在现代职场中，年轻人之间使用较少，更常用“请指示”或“请交代”。

“吩咐”通常接人作为宾语，即吩咐的对象。如果后面要接动作，通常会接一个动词短语，如“吩咐他去买菜”。

不太常用。在平等的朋友关系中，使用“吩咐”会显得有些傲慢或开玩笑。朋友之间通常使用“告诉”、“拜托”或“请帮我”等词。

Test Yourself

fill blank

临走前，妈妈___我一定要注意身体，多穿衣服。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 吩咐

妈妈对子女的叮嘱使用“吩咐”最贴切，表现了关爱。

multiple choice

如果你想让下属完成工作，怎么说最合适？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 经理吩咐我把这份报告整理好。

选项B使用了正确的职场称谓和动词，语气得体。

sentence building

请用“吩咐”将以下短语连成句子：老师 / 同学们 / 认真复习。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 老师吩咐同学们认真复习。

主语应为发出指令的一方（老师）。

Score: /3

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