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March 24, 2026
崴wǎi(wai3)
The character 崴 (wǎi) primarily means 'to sprain,' particularly in the context of injuring an ankle. It can also describe something that is high or precipitous. Commonly used in phrases related to injuries, it conveys a sense of suddenness or elevation, often referring to physical movement or terrain.
Strokes12Radical山Frequency#21844DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, physical activities like sports are popular, and injuries such as sprains are common topics of discussion. Understanding words like 崴 can help you navigate conversations about athletic experiences and health.
Memory Tip
Imagine a mountain (山) that is high (崴) and has a steep edge. When someone tries to climb it and slips, they sprain their ankle (wǎi). Picture yourself at the top, feeling lofty but then losing your balance - that's how you remember 崴!
Meanings of 崴
wǎi(wai3)
primary
1high, lofty, precipitous; to sprain
2to sprain (one's ankle)
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About 崴
崴Simplified
12Strokes
山Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 崴
Podcast: 崴
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AI Study Notes for 崴
Quick Contrast
扭 (niǔ, to twist) vs 崴 (wǎi, to sprain) — use 崴 when specifically referring to a sprain, especially of the ankle, while 扭 can refer to twisting any body part.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a mountain (山) that is high (崴) and has a steep edge. When someone tries to climb it and slips, they sprain their ankle (wǎi). Picture yourself at the top, feeling lofty but then losing your balance - that's how you remember 崴!
Usage Notes
Be careful with pronunciation, as the third tone can be easily mispronounced, leading to confusion with similar-sounding words. This character is more commonly used in informal contexts, particularly in discussions about sports or physical activities. A common collocation is '崴脚' (wǎi jiǎo), meaning 'to sprain an ankle.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 崴 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it connects to HSK Level 3 characters regarding body parts and actions. Focus on the context in which it is used, especially in conversations involving sports or injuries, to enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, physical activities like sports are popular, and injuries such as sprains are common topics of discussion. Understanding words like 崴 can help you navigate conversations about athletic experiences and health.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 崴 (wǎi) with similar-sounding words like 外 (wài, meaning 'outside'). Remember that 崴 specifically relates to spraining an ankle, while 外 is about location.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 崴
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Cultural Notes for 崴
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, physical activities like sports are popular, and injuries such as sprains are common topics of discussion. Understanding words like 崴 can help you navigate conversations about athletic experiences and health.
Word Family of 崴
Words Containing This Character2
崴wǎibend (in a river, road etc) (used in place names)
海参崴Vladivostok海參崴
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 崴 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 崴
Make sure to use the third tone, starting mid and dropping low before rising slightly.
While it specifically refers to sprains, you can sometimes use it in a broader context when discussing sudden injuries, but it's best to stick to its primary meaning.
