福
fú
Blessing (the fu character)
福 (fú) means "blessing" or "good fortune" and is a very popular character, especially during Chinese New Year. It is often pasted on doors as a red diamond, sometimes upside down to symbolize the arrival of good fortune.
What does 福 (fú) mean?
福 (fú) means “blessing (the fu character)” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “blessing / good fortune.”
When to use it
Neutral and auspicious. It's commonly seen in decorations, greetings, and names, carrying a positive connotation of good luck and prosperity.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "foo," with a rising (second) tone, like asking "foo?"
Other ways to say it
- 福气fúqigood fortune, luck
- 幸福xìngfúhappiness, well-being
- 祝福zhùfúto bless, blessing
Examples
春节的时候，很多人会在门上贴一个大大的“福”字。
Chūnjié de shíhou, hěn duō rén huì zài ménshang tiē yí ge dàda de "fú" zì.
During Chinese New Year, many people paste a big "福" character on their doors.
祝你新年快乐，福气满满！
Zhù nǐ xīnnián kuàilè, fúqi mǎnmǎn!
Wish you a happy New Year, full of good fortune!
这个“福”字倒着贴，意思是“福到了”。
Zhè ge "fú" zì dào zhe tiē, yìsi shì "fú dào le".
This "福" character is pasted upside down, meaning "good fortune has arrived."
Pro tip: During Chinese New Year, the character 福 is often hung upside down (倒着贴) because 倒 (dào, upside down) sounds like 到 (dào, arrive), creating the auspicious phrase “福到了” (fú dào le), meaning “good fortune has arrived.”
Related phrases
放鞭炮 · Set off firecrackers春联 · Spring couplets财神 · God of wealth
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