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March 24, 2026
慰wèi(wei4)
The character 慰 (wèi) means to comfort or console someone in times of distress or sadness. It is commonly used in contexts where emotional support is offered, such as during a loss or a difficult situation. This term conveys a sense of reassurance and care.
Strokes15Radical心Frequency#8643DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, offering comfort is considered a vital social practice, especially during mourning periods or when friends face hardships. The concept of 慰 aligns with the cultural emphasis on community and support for one another.
Memory Tip
Imagine a caring friend with a warm heart (心, xīn) who is always ready to embrace (慰, wèi) you when you're feeling down. The heart radical suggests compassion, while the rest of the character flows like a comforting gesture.
Meanings of 慰
wèi(wei4)
1to comfort
2to console
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 慰
慰Simplified
15Strokes
心Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8643Frequency Rank
Podcast: 慰
Podcast: 慰
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AI Study Notes for 慰
Quick Contrast
安慰 (ān wèi) vs 慰藉 (wèi jiè) — use 慰 when referring specifically to the act of comforting someone directly, while 安慰 is more general and can imply a broader sense of reassurance.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 慰 (wèi) with similar-sounding words like 魏 (wèi), which is a proper noun. This verb is generally used in more formal contexts, especially when discussing emotional support. Common collocations include 慰问 (wèiwèn) meaning to express condolences.
HSK Study Tips
Although 慰 is not included in the HSK levels, it is relevant for learners aiming for advanced conversational skills. Focus on its usage in phrases related to emotional support, which can enhance your ability to discuss sensitive topics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 慰 (wèi) with 安慰 (ānwèi), both meaning to comfort but used in slightly different contexts. For instance, saying '我想慰他' is incorrect; it should be '我想安慰他' for a more natural expression.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 慰
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2The sound half尉 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayheart
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 慰? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 慰?
Decomposition of 慰
IDS Structure⿱尉心
慰Full Character
=
尉Wei4
top
心xin1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 慰?
How to say to comfort in Chinese
“to comfort” in Chinese is慰wèi
The character 慰 (wèi) means to comfort or console someone in times of distress or sadness. It is commonly used in contexts where emotional support is offered, such as during a loss or a difficult situation. This term conveys a sense of reassurance and care.
When to use 慰
Be careful not to confuse 慰 (wèi) with similar-sounding words like 魏 (wèi), which is a proper noun. This verb is generally used in more formal contexts, especially when discussing emotional support. Common collocations include 慰问 (wèiwèn) meaning to express condolences.
慰 or something close to it
安慰 (ān wèi) vs 慰藉 (wèi jiè) — use 慰 when referring specifically to the act of comforting someone directly, while 安慰 is more general and can imply a broader sense of reassurance.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 慰 (wèi) with 安慰 (ānwèi), both meaning to comfort but used in slightly different contexts. For instance, saying '我想慰他' is incorrect; it should be '我想安慰他' for a more natural expression.
Write 慰
慰
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Grammar Patterns of 慰
慰 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
