unknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #23391, Very Hard
wéi(wei2) T2
1a ship's mast
2mast
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March 24, 2026
桅wéi(wei2)
The character 桅 (wéi) refers specifically to the mast of a ship, which is a tall vertical structure that supports the sails and rigging. It is commonly used in maritime contexts, particularly when discussing sailing ships or nautical terminology.
Strokes10Radical木Frequency#23391DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, ships and sailing were essential for trade and exploration, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The mast (桅) played a crucial role in the development of maritime activities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall tree (木) standing straight up, holding sails (帆) high in the air, just like a ship's mast. The shape of the character 桅, with its components, can remind you of how a mast rises above the deck, supporting the sails.
Meanings of 桅
wéi(wei2)
1a ship's mast
2mast
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 桅
桅Simplified
10Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 桅
Podcast: 桅
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AI Study Notes for 桅
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 桅 with similar characters that relate to different types of poles or structures. This term is generally used in formal contexts related to nautical themes. Common collocations include 桅杆 (mast pole) or 船桅 (ship's mast).
HSK Study Tips
While 桅 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be linked to HSK Level 3 terms related to travel and transportation. Focus on maritime vocabulary to build context around this character.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 桅 with similar characters like 楼 (building) or 杆 (pole). Remember, 桅 specifically refers to a ship's mast, while the others have different meanings related to structures.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 桅
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Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 危 represents the sound.
1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
2The sound half危 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywood
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 桅? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 桅?
Decomposition of 桅
IDS Structure⿰木危
桅Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
危Wei1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 桅?
How to say a ship's mast in Chinese
“a ship's mast” in Chinese is桅wéi
The character 桅 (wéi) refers specifically to the mast of a ship, which is a tall vertical structure that supports the sails and rigging. It is commonly used in maritime contexts, particularly when discussing sailing ships or nautical terminology.
When to use 桅
Be careful not to confuse 桅 with similar characters that relate to different types of poles or structures. This term is generally used in formal contexts related to nautical themes. Common collocations include 桅杆 (mast pole) or 船桅 (ship's mast).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 桅 with similar characters like 楼 (building) or 杆 (pole). Remember, 桅 specifically refers to a ship's mast, while the others have different meanings related to structures.
Write 桅
桅
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Practice writing 桅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 桅
桅 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
欣赏优秀的高____横帆船摄影作品是种乐趣。
A well-executed shot of a tall ship is a joy to behold.
Example Sentences for 桅 (8)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
欣赏优秀的高桅横帆船摄影作品是种乐趣。
xīn shǎng yōu xiù de gāo wéi héng fān chuán shè yǐng zuò pǐn shì zhǒng lè qù。
A well-executed shot of a tall ship is a joy to behold.
2
船的桅杆和教堂的塔尖一样高.
chuán de wéi gān hé jiào táng de tǎ jiān yī yàng gāo.
