unknown, 10 strokes, radical 亻, rank #43777, Very Hard
wō(wo1) T1
1dwarf; dwarfish, short
2Japanese (derog.) (old)
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March 24, 2026
倭wō(wo1)
The character 倭 (wō) primarily refers to someone who is short or dwarfish. It has historical connotations as it was used derogatorily to refer to the Japanese people in ancient texts, reflecting a period of cultural tension. Today, it is rarely used and can be considered offensive.
Strokes10Radical亻Frequency#43777DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Historically, 倭 was used in Chinese literature to describe the Japanese people, particularly during times of conflict, highlighting the long-standing cultural and political tensions between China and Japan.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, short person standing next to a tall tree, looking up in awe. The character 倭 has a 'person' radical (亻) on the left, suggesting a human, while the right side can be thought of as the 'tree' representing height, contrasting the shortness implied by the character.
Meanings of 倭
wō(wo1)
1dwarf; dwarfish, short
2Japanese (derog.) (old)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 倭
倭Simplified
10Strokes
亻Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 倭
Podcast: 倭
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AI Study Notes for 倭
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small, short person standing next to a tall tree, looking up in awe. The character 倭 has a 'person' radical (亻) on the left, suggesting a human, while the right side can be thought of as the 'tree' representing height, contrasting the shortness implied by the character.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the use of 倭, as it carries negative historical baggage and can offend. It is mostly found in literary or historical contexts rather than in daily conversation. Always consider the audience and context when using this term.
HSK Study Tips
While 倭 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your knowledge of historical language and cultural nuances. Focus on its pronunciation and context to appreciate its historical use.
Cultural Note
Historically, 倭 was used in Chinese literature to describe the Japanese people, particularly during times of conflict, highlighting the long-standing cultural and political tensions between China and Japan.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 倭 with similar-sounding words or use it inappropriately in conversation. For example, saying '我很倭' (I am very 倭) to describe oneself is incorrect and offensive; instead, use '我很矮' (I am very short).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 倭
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Cultural Notes for 倭
🏮Cultural insight
Historically, 倭 was used in Chinese literature to describe the Japanese people, particularly during times of conflict, highlighting the long-standing cultural and political tensions between China and Japan.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, terms for national identities are generally neutral, whereas 倭 has derogatory implications in Chinese, reflecting deeper historical grievances.
Word Family of 倭
Words Containing This Character4
倭wōdwarf
倭寇Japanese pirates (in 16th and 17th century)
倭人dwarf
倭瓜(dialect) pumpkin
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 倭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 倭
No, 倭 is rarely used in modern language and is considered derogatory.
The term has its roots in ancient texts that described the Japanese, often in a negative light.
It is best to avoid using 倭 in casual conversation due to its offensive nature.
