咐

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

口 (mouth) — semantic component, indicating speech or sound

付 (to give; to entrust) — phonetic component

The character originally conveyed the idea of speaking in order to entrust or assign something—that is, giving instructions verbally. The presence of 口 emphasizes speech, while 付 contributes both sound and the notion of handing over responsibility.

吩咐 (분부하다) — to instruct; to give orders; to assign tasks

咐 centered on spoken instruction and verbal entrustment. While it once had broader meanings, in modern usage it survives almost exclusively within 吩咐, where it expresses the act of giving orders or instructions, often with an authoritative or responsible tone.

Example:

他吩咐我明天再来。 — He instructed me to come again tomorrow.

Though limited in scope today, it remains an essential component of a very common and expressive compound.

The compound 吩咐 often implies:

- a superior addressing a subordinate

- a parent giving instructions to a child

- a master assigning duties

Compared with neutral verbs like 告诉 (to tell), 吩咐 carries a clear nuance of authority or responsibility.

Related characters:

吩 — to give instructions; to order

命 — command; mandate

令 — to order; command

嘱 — to entrust; to enjoin