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clothes / to serve / to be convinced

8 strokes · 月 (flesh/boat form) + 又-hand right — hands fitting something to the body · HSK 2

Where 服 comes from

服 began with hands pressing someone into submission beside a boat-shape — to make obey, to fit to purpose. What fits the body became clothing; who fits your argument becomes convinced.

服 in Chinese culture

服 wears three meanings daily: 衣服 (clothes), 服务 (service — hence 服务员, waiter), and 服 alone for being won over: 我服了 ('OK, you win / I'm impressed' — the internet's favorite white flag, often typed as 服了 or just 服). 舒服 is comfortable — the body served well. From wardrobes to waiters to conceding an argument, 服 is about fitting.

Example

衣服 yīfu — clothes

这家店的服务很好。
Zhè jiā diàn de fúwù hěn hǎo.
This shop's service is great.

How to remember it

Fitted to the body, fitted to the task — CLOTHES, SERVICE, CONVINCED.

我服了 'I submit' is modern slang for 'you got me / unbelievable' — surrender as a compliment.

Same sound, different tones

2nd fú
clothes / serve
3rd fǔ
axe
4th fù
father

Words unlocked by 服

衣服 yīfu
clothes
服务 fúwù
service
舒服 shūfu
comfortable
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