Core Meanings
The character 放 (fàng) primarily means "to put" or "to place" something somewhere. It is very common in everyday speech when talking about placing objects.
Extended Uses
Besides the literal meaning, 放 is also used in compound words to express "to release" or "to let go," such as 放出来 (fàng chūlái) meaning "to let out." It also appears in contexts meaning "to give up" or "abandon" as in 放弃 (fàngqì).
Common Collocations
- 放在 (fàng zài): to put/place at a location
- 放弃 (fàngqì): to give up or abandon
- 放学 (fàngxué): school dismissal, literally "release from school"
- 放映 (fàngyìng): to show (a movie or film)
Usage Notes
When using 放 to mean "put," it often requires specifying the location with 在 (zài). In compounds like 放弃, the meaning shifts to "give up," which is a common phrase in both spoken and written Chinese. 放学 is a fixed expression meaning "school is over" or "dismissal." Avoid confusing 放 with 搬 (bān), which means "to move (an object or residence)."