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March 24, 2026
偉wěi(wei3)
The character 偉 (wěi) means 'great' or 'extraordinary,' often used to describe someone or something that is impressive or has significant stature. It can be applied to achievements, personalities, or even physical structures, conveying a sense of respect and admiration.
Strokes11Radical亻Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, using the term 偉 to describe leaders or historical figures conveys respect and admiration. For instance, the term 偉人 (wěirén) refers to a 'great person' or a figure of historical significance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant figure (伟) standing tall with a cape, symbolizing greatness. The left part (亻) resembles a person, while the right part (偉) includes the character for 'great'; together, they depict a person of imposing stature, making it easier to remember that 偉 means 'great.'
Meanings of 偉
wěi(wei3)
1great, imposing; extraordinary
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 偉
偉Simplified
11Strokes
亻Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 偉
Podcast: 偉
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AI Study Notes for 偉
Quick Contrast
伟 (wěi) vs 雄伟 (xióngwěi) — use 偉 (wěi) for general greatness, while 雄伟 (xióngwěi) emphasizes grandeur and majesty.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant figure (伟) standing tall with a cape, symbolizing greatness. The left part (亻) resembles a person, while the right part (偉) includes the character for 'great'; together, they depict a person of imposing stature, making it easier to remember that 偉 means 'great.'
Usage Notes
Be aware of the tone; it should always be pronounced with a rising tone (wěi). Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words. It is often used in formal contexts, such as speeches or writing, discussing someone’s accomplishments.
HSK Study Tips
Though not in the HSK curriculum, understanding 偉 can enhance your vocabulary related to describing achievements. It connects well with words like 卓越 (zhuóyuè - outstanding) and 重大 (zhòngdà - significant) at similar levels.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, using the term 偉 to describe leaders or historical figures conveys respect and admiration. For instance, the term 偉人 (wěirén) refers to a 'great person' or a figure of historical significance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 偉 (wěi) with 伟大 (wěidà) which means 'great' but emphasizes magnitude. A common mistake is to say '他是一个伟' instead of '他是一个伟人' (He is a great person).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 偉
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Cultural Notes for 偉
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, using the term 偉 to describe leaders or historical figures conveys respect and admiration. For instance, the term 偉人 (wěirén) refers to a 'great person' or a figure of historical significance.
Word Family of 偉
Words Containing This Character15
伟大wěidàhuge偉大
伟wěibig偉
宏伟hóngwěigrand宏偉
伟人great person偉人
雄伟xióngwěigrand雄偉
伟哥Viagra (male impotence drug)偉哥
伟业exploit偉業
杨利伟Yang Liwei (1965-), astronaut, first Chinese citizen in space楊利偉
丰功伟绩glorious achievement (idiom)豐功偉績
大伟David (name)大偉
伟岸imposing偉岸
伟力mighty force偉力
魁伟tall and big魁偉
伟丽magnificent偉麗
伟绩great acts偉績
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 伟大 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 偉
You can say '他是一位偉大的科學家' (Tā shì yī wèi wěidà de kēxuéjiā) meaning 'He is a great scientist.'
Synonyms include 杰出 (jiéchū - outstanding) and 卓越 (zhuóyuè - remarkable).
While it can be used informally, it is more suitable for formal contexts to show respect.
