fan1 fu3吩咐
Jyutpingfan1 fu3
Yalefān fu
Definition
To instruct, tell, or direct someone verbally.
neutralworkcommunication
How it's used
Carries a sense of formality or hierarchy, often implying that the speaker is in a position of authority or is fulfilling a specific request from a superior. It is frequently used in professional settings or when an elder gives guidance to someone younger. Using it in casual, peer-to-peer conversation can sound overly dramatic or sarcastic.
Examples
The boss instructed me to do this report.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it for simple requests between friends, as it sounds like you are giving orders to a subordinate. For casual requests, use 叫 or 講 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
