How to Write 仿 (fǎng) — Meaning “to imitate / to copy”

Imagine a person (亻) standing next to a square (方) trying to copy its shape exactly. The square is the model, and the person is imitating it—this image directly links to the meaning 'to imitate' or 'to copy'.

Write the left radical 亻 first: a short left-falling stroke, then a vertical stroke. Then write the right part 方: dot on top, horizontal line, horizontal hook, and final left-falling stroke. A common mistake is placing the dot of 方 too far left, which makes the character unbalanced—keep the dot centered over the 方.

仿 (fǎng) means 'to imitate' and contains 方. 什 (shén, meaning 'what' or 'ten') uses a simple cross ten (十) and is common in questions. 仁 (rén, meaning 'benevolence') uses two horizontal strokes (二) and represents kindness. Only 仿 has the imitation meaning and the 方 component.

仿 appears in common words like 模仿 (mó fǎng, to imitate) for learning skills or behavior, and 仿造 (fǎng zào, to counterfeit) often used for fake products. In China, 仿造 has a negative legal meaning, so be careful when using it. The literary word 仿佛 (fǎng fú, as if) is used in writing to express a dreamy or uncertain impression.

Common words containing 仿 include: 模仿 (mó fǎng) — to imitate; to mimic; 仿造 (fǎng zào) — to counterfeit / to copy; 仿佛 (fǎng fú) — as if / seemingly.