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March 24, 2026
猥wěi(wei3)
The character 猥 (wěi) primarily conveys meanings related to vulgarity and obscenity. It is commonly used in contexts discussing behavior or language that is considered crude or lowly. Additionally, it can imply a sense of humility or rusticity in certain contexts, though its negative connotations are more prevalent.
Strokes12Radical犭Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions of vulgarity and public behavior are often stringent, reflecting societal values around decorum. The character 猥 may appear in literature or social commentary that critiques low or obscene conduct.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'weird' (sounds like 'wěi') person at a party acting in a vulgar manner, making everyone uncomfortable. The character 猥 has the radical for 'dog' (犭), suggesting a base or lowly nature, which can help you visualize its connection to something vulgar or obscene.
Meanings of 猥
wěi(wei3)
1vulgar, low; wanton, obscene
2humble
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 猥
猥Simplified
12Strokes
犭Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 猥
Podcast: 猥
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AI Study Notes for 猥
Quick Contrast
猥 (wěi) vs 俗 (sú): Use 猥 for vulgarity and obscenity, while 俗 refers to commonness or being mundane.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'weird' (sounds like 'wěi') person at a party acting in a vulgar manner, making everyone uncomfortable. The character 猥 has the radical for 'dog' (犭), suggesting a base or lowly nature, which can help you visualize its connection to something vulgar or obscene.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 猥 with similar-sounding characters, which can lead to mistakes in context. This character is generally used in negative contexts, so be mindful of its connotation. Common collocations include 猥亵 (wěixiè, obscene) and 猥琐 (wěisuǒ, vulgar).
HSK Study Tips
While 猥 is not a part of HSK vocabulary, it can be useful when discussing topics related to morality, behavior, or societal norms. Connecting it to other characters like 低 (dī, low) or 粗 (cū, coarse) can help reinforce its meanings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions of vulgarity and public behavior are often stringent, reflecting societal values around decorum. The character 猥 may appear in literature or social commentary that critiques low or obscene conduct.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 猥 by applying it to neutral contexts, thinking it simply means humble or rustic. For example, saying '他是个猥人' (tā shì gè wěi rén) incorrectly implies a neutral statement about someone's character, while it should convey something negative. Correct usage would focus on its derogatory meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 猥
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Grammar Patterns of 猥
猥 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 2
Complete the Sentence
他们因存在严重____亵行为而被判有罪。
They were found guilty of acts of gross indecency.
Example Sentences for 猥 (2)
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1
他们因存在严重猥亵行为而被判有罪。
tā mén yīn cún zài yán zhòng wěi xiè háng wéi ér bèi pàn yǒu zuì。
They were found guilty of acts of gross indecency.
2
男人们吊儿郎当地站着，大口大口地喝着啤酒，偶尔还对着路过的女性猥亵地笑。
nán rén mén diào ér láng dāng dì zhàn zháo， ， dà kǒu dà kǒu dì hē zháo pí， jiǔ ， ǒu ěr huán duì zháo lù guò de nǚ xìng wěi xiè。
Men were standing around, swilling beer and occasionally leering at passing females.
Cultural Notes for 猥
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussions of vulgarity and public behavior are often stringent, reflecting societal values around decorum. The character 猥 may appear in literature or social commentary that critiques low or obscene conduct.
Word Family of 猥
Words Containing This Character4
猥琐vulgar猥瑣
猥亵obscene猥褻
猥wěihumble
淫猥obscene
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 猥琐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 猥
It can describe someone's actions or language as being vulgar or obscene, such as in the phrase 猥亵的言语 (wěixiè de yányǔ), meaning obscene language.
No, it's typically used in informal contexts or when critiquing undesirable behavior, so it may not be appropriate in formal writing.
Try associating 'wěi' with 'weird,' as both have similar sounds and suggest something out of the ordinary or inappropriate.
