unknown, 11 strokes, radical 寸, rank #27849, Very Hard
wèi(Wei4) T4
1officer, military rank
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March 24, 2026
尉wèi(Wei4)
The character 尉 (wèi) primarily refers to a military officer or rank within the armed forces. It is also used as a surname, Wei, which is common in China. This character is often seen in historical contexts or discussions relating to military hierarchy.
Strokes11Radical寸Frequency#27849DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the title 尉 was commonly assigned to military leaders, highlighting the importance of military structure in Chinese history. This reflects the significant role that the military has played in the governance and defense of the nation throughout its history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'weigh' scale (sounds like wèi) balancing a soldier's helmet on one side, symbolizing the weight of command in the military. The character 尉's left component resembles a 'person' (人), indicating that this is related to a role or position held by a person.
Meanings of 尉
wèi(Wei4)
1officer, military rank
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 尉
尉Simplified
11Strokes
寸Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 尉
Podcast: 尉
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AI Study Notes for 尉
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'weigh' scale (sounds like wèi) balancing a soldier's helmet on one side, symbolizing the weight of command in the military. The character 尉's left component resembles a 'person' (人), indicating that this is related to a role or position held by a person.
Usage Notes
When using 尉, be cautious about its formal context, as it's typically found in military or historical discussions. It’s often used in combination with other characters to form ranks or titles, such as 尉官 (military officer). Ensure to use the correct tone; mispronouncing it as 'wei' (without the fourth tone) could lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
While 尉 is not featured in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is related to other military terms that may appear at higher levels. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in historical texts and contexts, as well as its association with other military-related vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the title 尉 was commonly assigned to military leaders, highlighting the importance of military structure in Chinese history. This reflects the significant role that the military has played in the governance and defense of the nation throughout its history.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 尉 with similar-sounding characters or use it incorrectly in casual conversations. For example, saying 尉 in a non-military context can sound awkward; instead, use more general terms for 'officer' in everyday language.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 尉
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Grammar Patterns of 尉
尉 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
中____，做这些事情我是新手，你是行家。
I'm a novice at these things, Lieutenant. You're the professional.
In ancient China, the title 尉 was commonly assigned to military leaders, highlighting the importance of military structure in Chinese history. This reflects the significant role that the military has played in the governance and defense of the nation throughout its history.
Word Family of 尉
Words Containing This Character15
上尉captain (military rank)
中尉lieutenant (navy)
校尉military officer
尉wèisurname Wei
少尉second lieutenant (army rank)
都尉military rank
尉迟surname Yuchi尉遲
廷尉Commandant of Justice in imperial China, one of the Nine Ministers 九卿[jiǔqīng]
大尉senior captain
尉迟恭General Yuchi Gong (585-658), famous military man instrumental in founding the Tang dynasty尉遲恭
卫尉Commandant of Guards (in imperial China), one of the Nine Ministers 九卿[jiǔqīng]衛尉
尉氏县Weishi county in Kaifeng 開封|开封[Kāifēng], Henan尉氏縣
尉氏Weishi county in Kaifeng 開封|开封[Kāifēng], Henan
尉犁县Lopnur nahiyisi or Yuli county in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang 巴音郭楞蒙古自治州[BāyīnguōléngMěnggǔZìzhìzhōu], Xinjiang尉犁縣
尉犁Lopnur nahiyisi or Yuli county in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang 巴音郭楞蒙古自治州[BāyīnguōléngMěnggǔZìzhìzhōu], Xinjiang
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 上尉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 尉
In modern Chinese, 尉 is primarily a historical term related to military ranks and is less commonly used in everyday language.
Yes, 尉 is a recognized surname in China, though it is not as common as other surnames.
It is often used in military titles, such as 尉官, to denote specific ranks.
