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兀 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
兀wùweak; lameag, 3 strokes, radical 兀, rank #26803, Very Hard
兀wùrising to a heightunknown, 3 strokes, radical 兀, rank #26803, Very Hard
兀wùtoweringunknown, 3 strokes, radical 兀, rank #26803, Very Hard
兀wùbaldunknown, 3 strokes, radical 兀, rank #26803, Very Hard
兀wùsurname Wuunknown, 3 strokes, radical 兀, rank #26803, Very Hard
wù(Wu4)wu T4
  1. 1weak; lame
  2. 2rising to a height
Also a Chinese surname, Wu — see the Surname Dictionary
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

兀wù(Wu4)

The character 兀 (wù) primarily conveys the meanings of being weak or lame, but it also relates to towering heights or baldness. It is often used in literary contexts and can refer to a surname, especially Wu. The character can imply a sense of elevation, both physically and metaphorically.

Strokes3Radical兀Frequency#26803DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese culture, baldness can symbolize wisdom and maturity, often associated with monks or sages. The character 兀 can also relate to the philosophy of elevation, where reaching a high status is admired.

Memory tip

Imagine a bald eagle (the character's pronunciation, wù, sounds like 'who') soaring high in the sky, representing both weakness (in terms of a bald head) and towering heights. The character 兀 resembles a person with a bald head looking upwards, emphasizing the contrast between being grounded and reaching for the heights.

Meanings of 兀

wù(Wu4)
1weak; lame
2rising to a height
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 兀

兀Simplified
3Strokes
兀Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 兀

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Podcast: 兀

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AI study notes for 兀

Usage Notes

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more common in literary or formal contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters; pronunciation is crucial. Common collocations include terms related to baldness or elevation.

HSK Study Tips

Although 兀 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it presents an opportunity for learners to explore less common characters that enrich their understanding of the language. Focus on its usage in literary texts and familiarize yourself with its variations within different contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 兀 with other characters that have similar sounds or appearances, such as 物 (wù, meaning 'thing'). Ensure you remember its unique meaning related to weakness and elevation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 兀

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Etymology of 兀

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Pictograph of a platform that makes things taller.

Memory hint

Cutting 一 off the feet 儿

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 兀?

Decomposition of 兀

IDS Structure⿱一儿
兀Full character
=
一yi1
top
儿er2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 兀?

How to say weak; lame in Chinese

“weak; lame” in Chinese is兀wù

The character 兀 (wù) primarily conveys the meanings of being weak or lame, but it also relates to towering heights or baldness. It is often used in literary contexts and can refer to a surname, especially Wu. The character can imply a sense of elevation, both physically and metaphorically.

When to use 兀

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more common in literary or formal contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters; pronunciation is crucial. Common collocations include terms related to baldness or elevation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 兀 with other characters that have similar sounds or appearances, such as 物 (wù, meaning 'thing'). Ensure you remember its unique meaning related to weakness and elevation.

Write 兀

兀

Practice writing 兀 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 兀

兀 carries 5 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 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

窗上蒙了水汽,向外望去,原本突____的街灯变得模糊起来。

The windows misted, blurring the stark streetlight.

Example sentences for 兀 (3)

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1
窗上蒙了水汽,向外望去,原本突兀的街灯变得模糊起来。

chuāng shàng mēng le shuǐqì, xiàng wài wàng qù, yuánběn tūwù de jiē dēng biàn de móhu qǐlái。

The windows misted, blurring the stark streetlight.
2
鲜花摆上之后,突兀的混凝土墙便显得柔和起来。

xiānhuā bǎi shàng zhīhòu, tūwù de hùnníngtǔ qiáng biàn xiǎnde róuhé qǐlái。

Stark concrete walls have been softened by a show of fresh flowers.
3
兀鹰已经在绕着动物的尸体盘旋了.

wù yīng yǐjīng zài rào zhe dòngwù de shītǐ pánxuán le.

The vultures were already circling around the dead animal.

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Word Family of 兀

Words containing this character6
兀wùbald
突兀lofty or towering
兀鹫vulture兀鷲
兀自yet
兀立to stand upright and motionless
兀鹰bald eagle兀鷹
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 兀

What does 突兀 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 兀

兀 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, as it is more often found in literary contexts.

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