Learn a Chinese Character - 俘

1. Character Basics

Radical: 亻 (person/human radical)

Stroke Count: 9

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: fú (second tone)

3. Meaning

Prisoner of war; captive; to capture; to take prisoner.

4. Common Words

• 俘虏 (fú lǔ): Prisoner of war; captive
• 战俘 (zhàn fú): Prisoner of war (POW)
• 被俘 (bèi fú): To be captured; to be taken prisoner
• 俘获 (fú huò): To capture; to take prisoner
• 俘囚 (fú qiú): Prisoner; captive

5. Grammar & Usage

The character 俘 (fú) is primarily used as a noun to refer to prisoners or captives, and also as a verb meaning "to capture" or "to take prisoner".

• As a noun: 俘虏 (prisoner of war), 战俘 (POW)
• As a verb: 俘获 (to capture), 俘敌 (to capture enemies)
• In compound words: 被俘 (to be captured), 战俘营 (prisoner of war camp)

6. Cultural Background

The concept of prisoners of war (战俘 zhàn fú) has played a significant role in Chinese military history. Throughout various dynasties, the treatment and status of prisoners have been addressed in military codes and historical records.

In ancient China, prisoners of war were sometimes incorporated into the victorious army or used as laborers, while high-ranking captives might be ransomed or held for political leverage.

Today, China adheres to international laws regarding the treatment of prisoners of war, ensuring their humane treatment as stipulated in the Geneva Conventions.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 俘 is composed of 亻 (rén, person/human) and 孚 (fú, to trust/capture). Imagine a person being captured in a war setting.