粉丝
fěn sī · HSK 7
vermicelli
🍜 粉 = powder + 丝 = threads — powder-thin threads of noodle
Mung bean starch is ground into a fine powder (粉), then drawn out into silky threads (丝). The name literally describes the process: powdered starch pulled into threadlike noodles. Also slang for fans/followers online.
粉 — rice 米 + divide 分
A semantic-phonetic compound: 米 (rice/grain) gives the meaning, while 分 (fēn, 'divide') hints at the sound. It originally referred to rice flour or finely ground powder, then extended to any powder and to the pale pinkish color of such powders.
丝 — two 糸 silk threads side by side
丝 is a pictograph showing two bundles of silk threads (糸) twisted together, representing raw silk. The original form depicted skeins of silk on a spindle. It later broadened to mean any fine thread or filament, and figuratively a tiny trace or amount.