Encyclopedia: Zhang Fei

Zhang Fei (Yide); Chang Fei (I-tê); 張飛 (益德)

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You are viewing the profile of Zhang Fei (張飛), styled Yide (益德), born in Zhuo county, Zhuo commandery (Presently Zhouzhou City in He Bei Province). “Sworn brother of Liu Bei and Guan Yu. Second of the Five Tiger Generals.” Zhang Fei was affiliated with the Han Dynasty and the Shu Kingdom. Return to the Three Kingdoms Encyclopedia to learn more or explore our Encyclopedia Directory to browse by kingdom or category.

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Zhang Fei (Yide) 張飛 (益德)

Lived: AD c.167–221

Biographies:

Served: Han, Shu

Sworn brother of Liu Bei and Guan Yu. Second of the Five Tiger Generals.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Chang Fei (I-tê)
Simplified Chinese: 张飞 (益德)
Pronunciation: Zhang1 Fei1 (Yi4de2)  Pronunciation
Cantonese (Yale): Jeung Fei (Yik-dak)
Cantonese (Jyutpin): Zoeng Fei (Jik-dak)
Min-Nan: Thio Hui (Ek-tek)

Birthplace: Zhuo county, Zhuo commandery
(Presently Zhouzhou City in He Bei Province)

Name Notes: Sanguozhi records Zhang Fei’s style as 益 (yi4: ‘benefit’ or ‘increase’) rather than 翼 (yi4: ‘wing’), as used in the novel, games, and most literature.

Rank and Titles

General of the Gentlemen of the Household; Grand Administrator of Yidu, General Who Subdues the Caitiffs, Marquis of Xinting; General of the Left (AD 219); General of the Chariots and Cavalry, Colonel Director of the Retainers, Marquis of Xixiang (AD 221); Marquis of Yueheng (posthumous)

Groups and Associations

Five Tiger Generals of Shu ƒ

Family and Relationships

Zhang Bao (Son); Empress Zhang [Xingcai] (Daughter); Liu Bei ƒ, Guan Yu ƒ (Sworn Brothers)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

  • The Peach Tree Garden oath did not actually take place but Sanguozhi states that Liu, Guan and Zhang ‘slept in the same bed and were as close as brothers.’
  • Zhang Fei did not whip the court official when drunk in Anxi. It was Liu Bei, and he was not drunk. [SGZ: Liu Bei]
  • Zhang Fei did not kill Cao Bao for drinking, they had a ‘falling out’. Cao Bao was not special to Lü Bu, but his death caused riots in the city. Yuan Shu corresponded with Lü Bu and it was Xu Dan that opened the gates. [ZZTJ: 62]
  • Never shouted at Xiahou Jie, causing his death.
  • Historically, Zhang Fei was a skilled military leader and more intelligent than the novel portrays.

Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 1, 2, 5–7, 11–22, 24, 25, 28, 31, 34–43, 45, 49–53, 55–57, 60, 61, 63–65, 69–73, 76–78, 80, 81, 83, 85, 120

Sanguozhi: Shu 6

Popular Quotation

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Chapter: 5
In a challenge to Lü Bu, Zhang Fei said, “Stay, O twice bastard! I, Zhang Fei of Yan, await you!”
[“三姓家奴休走！燕人張飛在此！”]

Search Results

Zhang Fei the Stronger Warrior
Date: 09/09     Replies: 56
Zhang Fei >>>>>> Guan Yu
Date: 08/08     Replies: 106
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei!!!
Date: 04/08     Replies: 206
Opinion of Zhang Fei.
Date: 02/08     Replies: 22
Zhang Fei, Underrated?
Date: 01/07     Replies: 21
Zhao Yun, Equal of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei?
Date: 06/05     Replies: 541
Why Did Zhang Fei Spare Yan Yan?
Date: 05/05     Replies: 15
Zhang Fei
Date: 03/05     Replies: 29
Were Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei Suitable to Become Gods?
Date: 03/04     Replies: 57
Why Wei Yan over Zhang Fei?
Date: 02/03     Replies: 25
What if Zhang Fei Didn’t Get Drunk?
Date: 12/02     Replies: 66
Zhang Fei Able Strategist and Perfect Warrior…
Date: 10/02     Replies: 105

Premium External Linkage

First class external must-reads. Enjoy!

  • Zhang Fei’s Temple
    55 km from Wanxian and 64 km from Fengjie, Yunyang County serves as home to Zhang Fei’s Temple. …

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February 17, 2023