HSK 7, nr, 7 strokes, radical 工, rank #11732, Hard
巫
wū
surname Wu
HSK 7, unknown, 7 strokes, radical 工, rank #11732, Hard
巫
wū
also pr. [Wu2]
HSK 7, unknown, 7 strokes, radical 工, rank #11732, Hard
wū(Wu1) T1
1wizard, sorcerer, witch, shaman
2also pr. [Wu2]
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March 24, 2026
巫wū(Wu1)
The character 巫 (wū) refers to a wizard, sorcerer, witch, or shaman, highlighting a connection to the spiritual and supernatural. It is often used in contexts involving traditional Chinese beliefs, folklore, or practices of divination and healing. The term can also serve as a surname in Chinese culture.
Strokes7Radical工Frequency#11732DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
巫 has deep roots in Chinese history, particularly in the practices of ancient shamanism and folk religion, where shamans acted as intermediaries between the spiritual and physical worlds. This character embodies the profound respect for spiritual practices in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wizard (巫) wearing a flowing robe (the top part of the character resembles a cloak) with a mystical staff (the vertical line) that channels magical energy. The sound 'wū' can be remembered by thinking of 'wooing' someone with a spell, emphasizing the enchanting nature of a sorcerer.
Meanings of 巫
wū(Wu1)
1wizard, sorcerer, witch, shaman
2also pr. [Wu2]
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 巫
巫Simplified
7Strokes
工Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 巫
Podcast: 巫
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AI Study Notes for 巫
Quick Contrast
巫 (wū) vs 僧 (sēng) — use 巫 for spiritual practitioners associated with magic or witchcraft, while 僧 refers specifically to Buddhist monks.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wizard (巫) wearing a flowing robe (the top part of the character resembles a cloak) with a mystical staff (the vertical line) that channels magical energy. The sound 'wū' can be remembered by thinking of 'wooing' someone with a spell, emphasizing the enchanting nature of a sorcerer.
Usage Notes
In informal contexts, 巫 can be used to describe someone who practices witchcraft or engages in spiritual practices, while in formal contexts, it may refer to historical or folkloric figures. Common mistakes include confusing it with other similar-sounding words or mispronouncing it as 'wǔ,' which has a different meaning. It often appears in phrases related to spirituality or traditional medicine.
HSK Study Tips
Though not part of the HSK vocabulary, 巫 can be useful for learners interested in folklore or cultural studies. It connects with other HSK-level words related to traditional practices in China. Focus on pronunciation and recognizing its cultural significance in stories and historical texts.
Cultural Note
巫 has deep roots in Chinese history, particularly in the practices of ancient shamanism and folk religion, where shamans acted as intermediaries between the spiritual and physical worlds. This character embodies the profound respect for spiritual practices in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 巫 with similar characters like 妖 (yāo, meaning monster or demon) due to their thematic overlap. For example, saying '她是一个巫妖' (Tā shì yīgè wū yāo) incorrectly implies 'she is a witch demon,' when it should be '她是一个巫师' (Tā shì yīgè wūshī) for 'she is a witch.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 巫
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Grammar Patterns of 巫
巫 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 3 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 3
Complete the Sentence
男____通常用魔杖来施魔法.
Wizards usually use magic wands to perform spells.
Example Sentences for 巫 (2)
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1
男巫通常用魔杖来施魔法.
nán wū tōng cháng yòng mó zhàng lái shī mó fǎ.
Wizards usually use magic wands to perform spells.
2
每个种族都会争取它的拥有权: 人类, 矮人, 巫师.
měi gè zhǒng zú dū huì zhēng qǔ tā de yōng yǒu quán: : rén, lèi ,, ǎi rén.
Everyone will try to claim it: Men, Dwarves, wizards.
Cultural Notes for 巫
🏮Cultural insight
巫 has deep roots in Chinese history, particularly in the practices of ancient shamanism and folk religion, where shamans acted as intermediaries between the spiritual and physical worlds. This character embodies the profound respect for spiritual practices in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 巫
Words Containing This Character12
巫wūwitch
巫师wizard巫師
女巫witch
巫婆wūpówitch
巫术witchcraft巫術
巫山Mt Wu on the Changjiang River (Yangtze) by the Three Gorges
小巫见大巫fig. to pale into insignificance by comparison小巫見大巫
巫医witch doctor巫醫
巫山县Wushan county in Wanzhou suburbs of north Chongqing municipality, formerly in Sichuan巫山縣
巫溪Wushi county in Wanzhou suburbs of north Chongqing municipality, formerly in Sichuan
巫峡Wuxia Gorge on the Changjiang or Yangtze, the middle of the Three Gorges 三峽|三峡[SānXiá]巫峽
巫溪县Wushi county in Wanzhou suburbs of north Chongqing municipality, formerly in Sichuan巫溪縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 巫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 巫
巫 specifically refers to shamans or traditional practitioners, while 魔法师 refers to a wizard or magician in a more Western sense.
Yes, it can describe contemporary spiritual practices, especially those rooted in traditional beliefs, but it's usually associated with historical or folkloric contexts.
