Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
威 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
威
wēi
power
ns, 9 strokes, radical 女, rank #4616, Hard
威
wēi
might
ns, 9 strokes, radical 女, rank #4616, Hard
威
wēi
prestige
ns, 9 strokes, radical 女, rank #4616, Hard
威
wēi
might, power, prestige; to dominate
ns, 9 strokes, radical 女, rank #4616, Hard
wēi(wei1)wei T1
1power
2might
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
威wēi(wei1)
The character 威 (wēi) refers to power, might, or prestige, often associated with authority or dominance. It is commonly used in contexts that denote strength, influence, or high status, such as in phrases describing someone's reputation or social standing.
Strokes9Radical女Frequency#4616DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, power and prestige (威) are often associated with social hierarchy and respect for authority figures, which is reflected in traditional values and modern business practices.
Memory tip
Imagine a mighty warrior (威) standing tall with a crown, symbolizing power and prestige. The character looks like a strong figure with a 'roof' (the top part) representing authority. Remember '威' as the 'way' to power and respect.
Meanings of 威
wēi(wei1)
1power
2might
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
Play it, then pick what 威 means.
About 威
威Simplified
9Strokes
女Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#4616Frequency Rank
Podcast: 威
Podcast: 威
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 威
Quick Contrast
威 (wēi) vs 势 (shì) — use 威 for a focus on power or prestige, while 势 emphasizes influence or potential.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 威, as it can imply a sense of intimidation if used incorrectly. It is generally used in formal contexts and is often seen in compounds like 威望 (prestige) or 威武 (majestic). Avoid using it casually among friends.
HSK Study Tips
While 威 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is relevant for learners at HSK 5 and above due to its usage in formal contexts. Focus on recognizing it in compound words and phrases to better understand its connotation of strength and authority.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 威 with other characters for power, such as 力 (lì, strength), leading to incorrect phrases like 威力 instead of 威望. Remember that 威 specifically emphasizes authority and prestige.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 威
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 威, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 威 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 威?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 威 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 威 (wēi) refers to power, might, or prestige, often associated with authority or dominance. It is commonly used in contexts that denote strength, influence, or high status, such as in phrases describing someone's reputation or social standing.
When to use 威
Be mindful of the context when using 威, as it can imply a sense of intimidation if used incorrectly. It is generally used in formal contexts and is often seen in compounds like 威望 (prestige) or 威武 (majestic). Avoid using it casually among friends.
威 or something close to it
威 (wēi) vs 势 (shì) — use 威 for a focus on power or prestige, while 势 emphasizes influence or potential.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 威 with other characters for power, such as 力 (lì, strength), leading to incorrect phrases like 威力 instead of 威望. Remember that 威 specifically emphasizes authority and prestige.
Write 威
威
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 威 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 威
威 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
This king has great power, and the people respect him very much.
16
大象的威力让很多动物感到害怕。
Dàxiàng de wēilì ràng hěn duō dòngwù gǎndào hàipà.
The elephant's power makes many animals feel afraid.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 威?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 威
Compounds10
崴wǎihigh, lofty, precipitous; to sprain
揻wēi
葳wēiflourishing; luxuriant
蝛wēi
喴wēi
媙wēi
楲wēi
縅wēi
隇wēi
鰄wēi
Words containing this character20
威胁wēixiéto threaten威脅
威wēipower
权威quánwēiauthority權威
威力wēilìmight
威士忌wēishìjìwhiskey (loanword)
威廉wēiliánWilliam or Wilhelm (name)
夏威夷xiàwēiyíHawaii, US state
示威shìwēia demonstration
杜威dùwēiDewey (name)
挪威nuówēiNorway
威尼斯wēinísīVenice
威利wēilìWylie (name)
威武wēiwǔmight
科威特kēwēitèKuwait
权威性quánwēixìngauthoritative權威性
威信wēixìnprestige
威尔逊wēi’ěrxùnWilson (name)威爾遜
威风wēifēngmight威風
威严wēiyándignified威嚴
助威zhùwēito cheer for
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 威
What does 崴 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 威
Some common phrases that include 威 are '威信' (wēixìn), meaning prestige or credibility, and '威严' (wēiyán), which means dignified or imposing presence. These phrases highlight the character's connotations of respect and power.
威 (wēi) and 力 (lì) both relate to strength, but they emphasize different aspects. 威 focuses more on power, authority, and prestige, whereas 力 refers to physical strength or force. Understanding the nuances between these characters can enhance your command of Chinese vocabulary.
威 (wēi) means power, might, or prestige in Chinese. It is often used to describe someone who has authority or influence, and can also refer to the impressive nature of something. This character can be found in various contexts, including literature, politics, and everyday conversation.
威 (wēi) can be used to describe the influence or power someone holds. For example, you might say '他的威望很高' (tā de wēiwàng hěn gāo), which translates to 'He has a high prestige.' This shows how 威 can indicate respect or authority in a social context.
You can find 威 in phrases like 威望 (prestige) and 威武 (majestic).
威 is often used in formal documents to convey authority or influence.
Yes, depending on the context, 威 can imply intimidation or oppressive power.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 威?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.
