Learn a Chinese Character - 副

1. Character Basics

Radical: 刂 (Knife radical)

Stroke Count: 11

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Fù

3. Meaning

Deputy; Assistant; Secondary; Pair

4. Common Words

• 副主席 (Vice Chairman)
• 副本 (Duplicate)
• 一副 (A pair)

5. Grammar & Usage

Functions as an adjective (secondary) or classifier (for pairs/sets). Often used in titles (e.g., 副经理 - deputy manager) or to describe matching items (e.g., 一副手套 - a pair of gloves).

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese organizational culture, "副" (deputy) reflects hierarchical structures where a deputy supports the primary role, ensuring smooth operations.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Combines '畐' (phonetic component) and '刂' (knife radical) → Originally referred to dividing with a knife, now means secondary or assistant. 由"畐"（表音部件）和"刂"（刀）组成，原指用刀分割，现表示辅助或次要。