‘符咒’ (fú zhòu) is a compound noun meaning ‘talismanic spell’—a ritual object or incantation used in traditional Chinese folk religion, Daoism, and some forms of Chinese shamanism to ward off evil spirits, cure illness, or bring protection. The first character, 符 (fú), refers to a talisman: a paper charm inscribed with mystical symbols or script, often burned or worn; the second, 咒 (zhòu), means ‘spell’ or ‘incantation’—a spoken formula believed to carry spiritual power when recited correctly. Together, they denote the inseparable pairing of written and spoken ritual elements.

This term appears primarily in cultural, historical, or literary contexts—not in everyday modern conversation—and is strongly associated with practices involving spirits, deities, exorcism, or animal-related taboos (e.g., protecting livestock from supernatural harm). It carries connotations of mysticism, tradition, and sometimes superstition, and is rarely used in scientific or secular discourse.