Meaning:

Blessing; happiness

Origin:

甲骨文“福”字是双手捧着一个大酒坛，在祭台（“示”）前求神赐福的样子，后来省略了手形，逐渐演变成现在的字形。

On oracle bone inscriptions, the character “福” was a pair of hands holding a large jar, symbolizing someone asking for blessing and fortune from god in front of altar (“示”); and later, it gradually evolved into the script we now see.

Words：

福利(fúlì)      : material benefits; well-being
福气(fúqi)     : good fortune
福相(fúxiàng): appearance showing good fortune

幸福(xìngfú)  : happiness
福分(fúfen)    : good fortune; happy

Examples:

1. 我们有必要来评判一下电视到底是福还是祸。

    Wǒmen yǒu bìyào lái píngpàn yīxià diànshì dàodǐ shì fú háishì huò

    It is essential for us to debate whether television is a blessing or a curse.

2. 他们过着非常幸福的生活。

    Tāmen guòzhe fēicháng xìngfú de shēnghuó.

    They live very happy and prosperous lives.