幅

• Pinyin: fú
• Hanzi breakdown: 幅 = 巾 (cloth) + 畐 (phonetic, also means full)

Meaning

Measure word for paintings, pictures, cloth, or maps. Also means width.

As a measure word, used for flat items that are displayed or hung, such as paintings, photos, posters, and maps. As a noun, refers to the width of cloth or the scope/scale of something.

Examples

1. 墙上挂着一幅中国山水画。 A Chinese landscape painting hangs on the wall.
2. 他收藏了好几幅名画。 He has collected several famous paintings.
3. 这幅照片记录了历史性的时刻。 This photograph captured a historic moment.

Usage Guide

Context: art, photography, description

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这幅画很有意思。(This painting is very interesting.)
• 送你一幅字。(Here's a piece of calligraphy for you.)

Don't Say

• 一幅书 (Don't use 幅 for books — use 本; 幅 is for flat displayed items like paintings and photos)

Origin & History

Originally depicted the width of cloth, later extended to become a measure word for flat visual items.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal