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March 24, 2026
侮wǔ(wu3)
The character 侮 (wǔ) means to insult or ridicule someone, often implying a sense of disgrace or humiliation. It is commonly used in contexts where someone is belittled or treated with disrespect, whether in personal interactions or in broader social commentary.
Strokes9Radical亻Frequency#56752DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of disgrace is significant in Chinese culture, where maintaining face and respect is crucial in social interactions. Insults can have long-lasting effects on relationships, making the understanding of 侮 particularly relevant in both personal and professional settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person (represented by the radical 亻) being mocked (侮) by another, causing them to feel small and disgraced. The sound 'wǔ' can remind you of a 'woe' that the insulted person feels in this painful scenario.
Meanings of 侮
wǔ(wu3)
1to insult
2to ridicule
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 侮
侮Simplified
9Strokes
亻Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#56752Frequency Rank
Podcast: 侮
Podcast: 侮
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AI Study Notes for 侮
Quick Contrast
侮 (wǔ) vs 辱 (rǔ) — use 侮 when emphasizing the act of insulting or ridiculing, while 辱 focuses more on the aspect of shame or disgrace.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person (represented by the radical 亻) being mocked (侮) by another, causing them to feel small and disgraced. The sound 'wǔ' can remind you of a 'woe' that the insulted person feels in this painful scenario.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when using 侮, as it carries a strong negative connotation and is generally used in more formal contexts. Common collocations include '侮辱' (to insult) and '侮蔑' (to disdain), which are often used in written Chinese. Avoid using it lightly in casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
Although 侮 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it shares roots with other words expressing disrespect, such as 侮辱 (wǔrǔ). Focus on its usage with verbs and adjectives related to social interactions to grasp its implications in various contexts.
Cultural Note
The concept of disgrace is significant in Chinese culture, where maintaining face and respect is crucial in social interactions. Insults can have long-lasting effects on relationships, making the understanding of 侮 particularly relevant in both personal and professional settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 侮 with lighter terms for teasing or joking, which can dilute its serious connotation. For example, saying '我们只是侮他一点' (We just insulted him a bit) is incorrect; it should be '我们只是开玩笑' (We were just joking).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 侮
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Grammar Patterns of 侮
侮 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
布坎南说法官的那番话____辱了他。
Buchanan said he was insulted by the judge's remarks.
Example Sentences for 侮 (9)
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1
布坎南说法官的那番话侮辱了他。
bù kǎn nán shuō fǎ guān de nà fān huà wǔ rǔ le tā。
Buchanan said he was insulted by the judge's remarks.
2
一有机会，同事们就会侮辱他们。
yī yǒu jī huì， ， tóng shì mén jiù huì wǔ rǔ tā。
Their colleagues insulted them whenever the opportunity presented itself.
3
其中一名学徒对着一名路过的警官说了一句侮辱他的话。
qí zhōng yī míng xué tú duì zháo yī míng lù guò de jǐng guān shuō le yī jù wǔ rǔ tā de huà。
One of the apprentices made an insulting remark to a passing officer.
I have rarely read anything so insultingly sexist as this article.
6
这种对神的侮辱越大则其对人的危险也越大。
zhè zhǒng duì shén de wǔ rǔ yuè dà zé qí duì rén de wēi xiǎn yě yuè dà。
And as the contumely is greater towards god, so the danger is greater towards men.
7
我受够了你的侮辱, 不能再容忍了.
wǒ shòu gòu le nǐ de wǔ rǔ, , bù néng zài róng rěn.
I've had enough of your insolence , and I'm having no more.
8
他被指称使用过侮辱性语言。
tā bèi zhǐ chēng shǐ yòng guò wǔ rǔ xìng yǔ yán。
He was alleged to have used abusive language.
9
他的脸因受到侮辱而涨得通红.
tā de liǎn yīn shòu dào wǔ rǔ ér zhǎng dé tōng hóng.
He turned crimson under the insults.
Cultural Notes for 侮
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of disgrace is significant in Chinese culture, where maintaining face and respect is crucial in social interactions. Insults can have long-lasting effects on relationships, making the understanding of 侮 particularly relevant in both personal and professional settings.
Word Family of 侮
Words Containing This Character9
侮辱wǔrǔto insult
欺侮to bully
侮wǔto insult
侮蔑contempt
轻侮to slight輕侮
侮慢to humiliate
戏侮to insult戲侮
侮弄to mock
侮骂to scold侮罵
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 侮辱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 侮
While it can be used, it is more appropriate in formal contexts or serious discussions about disrespect.
Synonyms include 侮辱 (wǔrǔ) and 轻视 (qīngshì), which also convey disrespect.
Generally, no; 侮 carries a heavy implication of insult and should be reserved for more serious contexts.
