fúhào: 符号 - Symbol, Mark, Sign

• Keywords: fúhào, 符号, Chinese for symbol, what does 符号 mean, Chinese mark, Chinese sign, symbol in Chinese, fúhào meaning, punctuation in Chinese, mathematical symbols Chinese
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 符号 (fúhào), the essential Chinese word for “symbol,” “mark,” or “sign.” This guide explains its use in various contexts, from punctuation marks and mathematical symbols to cultural icons and status symbols. Learn how to use `fúhào` correctly and understand its cultural significance in modern China.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): fúhào
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A mark, sign, or character used to represent an object, idea, function, or process.
• In a Nutshell: `符号` is the direct and universal Chinese term for any kind of symbol. It's an incredibly versatile word you'll encounter everywhere. Think of the “+” sign in math, the “@” symbol in an email address, a question mark at the end of a sentence, or even a company's logo. If it's a visual mark that stands for something else, you can probably call it a `符号`.

• 符 (fú): This character originally referred to a tally or token (often made of bamboo or wood) that was broken into two halves. To verify an identity or order, the two halves had to match perfectly. From this, it came to mean “a symbol that corresponds to something,” “a mark,” or even a “talisman.”
• 号 (hào): This character means “a mark,” “a sign,” “a number,” or “to call.” It's associated with labeling and identification.
• When combined, 符号 (fúhào) literally means a “corresponding mark.” This powerfully captures the essence of a symbol: a mark or sign that corresponds to a specific meaning or identity.

While `符号` itself is a straightforward term, the concept of symbols holds deep meaning in Chinese culture. Unlike in the West where symbols can be purely functional or abstract, many Chinese symbols are infused with tradition, belief, and linguistic cleverness. A prominent example is the use of auspicious symbols (吉祥符号, jíxiáng fúhào). These symbols are not just decorative; they are meant to attract good fortune, health, and prosperity. This is often based on homophones (words that sound the same). For instance:

• The bat (蝠, fú) is a symbol of good luck because its pronunciation is identical to the word for “blessing” or “good fortune” (福, fú).
• The fish (鱼, yú) symbolizes abundance and surplus, as it sounds the same as the word for surplus (余, yú).

This contrasts with the typical Western approach where a symbol's meaning is usually direct (e.g., a heart symbol means love) rather than derived from a linguistic pun. For a learner, understanding this connection between sound and symbolism is key to appreciating a huge part of Chinese art, decoration, and even holiday traditions like those during Chinese New Year.

`符号` is a common and practical word used in many domains of modern life.

• Punctuation and Writing: When discussing writing, you'll refer to punctuation marks as 标点符号 (biāodiǎn fúhào). For example, a question mark (问号, wènhào) and a period (句号, jùhào) are both types of `符号`.
• Mathematics and Science: All mathematical operators like plus (+), minus (-), and equals ( are called 数学符号 (shùxué fúhào).
• Technology: Symbols on a keyboard that aren't letters or numbers, such as @, #, $, and &, are all referred to as `符号`.
• Abstract Concepts: The word is also used for more abstract or conceptual symbols. A luxury car can be a 地位的符号 (dìwèi de fúhào)—a status symbol. A dove can be a 和平的符号 (hépíng de fúhào)—a symbol of peace.

The term is generally neutral; its connotation depends entirely on the symbol it describes.

• Example 1:
  • 句子末尾别忘了加标点符号。
  • Pinyin: Jùzi mòwěi bié wàngle jiā biāodiǎn fúhào.
  • English: Don't forget to add a punctuation mark at the end of the sentence.
  • Analysis: This is a very common and practical use of `符号` in the context of writing. `标点符号` is a fixed phrase for “punctuation.”
• Example 2:
  • “+” 是一个数学符号，表示“加”。
  • Pinyin: “+” shì yī ge shùxué fúhào, biǎoshì “jiā”.
  • English: “+” is a mathematical symbol that means “add”.
  • Analysis: This shows how `符号` is used to label specific characters in a formal or educational context, here for mathematics.
• Example 3:
  • 鸽子是世界和平的符号。
  • Pinyin: Gēzi shì shìjiè hépíng de fúhào.
  • English: The dove is a symbol of world peace.
  • Analysis: Here, `符号` is used to describe a well-known allegorical or cultural symbol. Note that for abstract concepts, 象征 (xiàngzhēng) can also be used and is often preferred.
• Example 4:
  • 你知道这个符号是什么意思吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zhīdào zhè ge fúhào shì shénme yìsi ma?
  • English: Do you know what this symbol means?
  • Analysis: A perfect, general-purpose question for asking about any unknown sign, character, or icon.
• Example 5:
  • 他的电子邮件地址里有一个“@”符号。
  • Pinyin: Tā de diànzǐ yóujiàn dìzhǐ lǐ yǒu yī ge “@” fúhào.
  • English: There is an “@” symbol in his email address.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates its use in the modern, digital context for keyboard characters.
• Example 6:
  • 在古代，龙是皇权的符号。
  • Pinyin: Zài gǔdài, lóng shì huángquán de fúhào.
  • English: In ancient times, the dragon was a symbol of imperial power.
  • Analysis: This usage connects a tangible image (the dragon) with an abstract concept (imperial power).
• Example 7:
  • 音符也是一种符号，用来记录音乐。
  • Pinyin: Yīnfú yě shì yī zhǒng fúhào, yònglái jìlù yīnyuè.
  • English: Musical notes are also a type of symbol, used to record music.
  • Analysis: This broadens the definition to include specialized systems of notation.
• Example 8:
  • 这个品牌的符号设计得很有特色。
  • Pinyin: Zhè ge pǐnpái de fúhào shèjì de hěn yǒu tèsè.
  • English: This brand's symbol (logo) is designed very distinctively.
  • Analysis: Here, `符号` is used interchangeably with “logo” or “emblem.” The word 标志 (biāozhì) is also common in this context.
• Example 9:
  • 对一些人来说，名牌包是身份的符号。
  • Pinyin: Duì yīxiē rén láishuō, míngpái bāo shì shēnfèn de fúhào.
  • English: For some people, a designer bag is a symbol of status.
  • Analysis: Similar to “status symbol,” this shows `符号` used in a sociological context.
• Example 10:
  • 交通标志使用简单的符号来传递信息。
  • Pinyin: Jiāotōng biāozhì shǐyòng jiǎndān de fúhào lái chuándì xìnxī.
  • English: Traffic signs use simple symbols to convey information.
  • Analysis: This example highlights the functional use of symbols for communication in public spaces.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 符号 (fúhào) and 象征 (xiàngzhēng).

• 符号 (fúhào) (Noun): A concrete mark, sign, or character. It is the thing itself. Think of road signs, punctuation marks, logos, mathematical operators. It's the tangible representation.
• 象征 (xiàngzhēng) (Noun or Verb): The abstract concept of “symbolism” or “a symbol of…” It can also be a verb meaning “to symbolize.” It refers to a deeper, often metaphorical meaning.

Rule of Thumb: If you can point to it on a page or a sign, it's likely a `符号`. If you're talking about what an object *represents* on a deeper, cultural, or artistic level, `象征` is often a better choice.

• Correct: 问号是一个符号。 (Wènhào shì yī ge fúhào.) - The question mark is a symbol.
• Correct: 红色在中国象征着喜庆。 (Hóngsè zài Zhōngguó xiàngzhēng zhe xǐqìng.) - In China, the color red symbolizes celebration.
• Correct: 玫瑰是爱情的象征。 (Méiguī shì àiqíng de xiàngzhēng.) - The rose is a symbol of love.

You *can* say “玫瑰是爱情的符号 (méiguī shì àiqíng de fúhào),” and people will understand you, but `象征` carries the weight of the abstract concept more elegantly. Using `符号` for deep, abstract symbolism can sometimes sound a bit too literal or simplistic.

• 象征 (xiàngzhēng) - Refers to the abstract act of symbolizing or a more profound, metaphorical symbol (e.g., a dove as a symbol of peace).
• 标志 (biāozhì) - A sign, logo, or mark. Often used for physical signs (like road signs) and brand logos. More concrete than `符号`.
• 记号 (jìhào) - A mark or sign made for remembrance or identification, like a checkmark or a mark on a map.
• 标点 (biāodiǎn) - Punctuation. Almost always used in the compound `标点符号`.
• 代号 (dàihào) - A code name, code number, or designation.
• 暗号 (ànhào) - A secret sign, signal, or password.
• 图腾 (túténg) - A totem; a symbol, often from nature, representing a family, clan, or group.
• 吉祥 (jíxiáng) - Auspicious or lucky. Used to describe symbols that bring good fortune, as in `吉祥符号`.