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March 24, 2026
猬(蝟)wèi(wei4)
The character 猬 (wèi) primarily refers to a porcupine or hedgehog, animals known for their spiny quills. It can also denote a sense of variety or multitude when used in certain contexts. In specific usages, it can have a vulgar connotation, implying something low or of lesser quality.
Strokes12Radical犭Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, some believe that parts of the hedgehog can have medicinal properties, making the concept of the hedgehog culturally significant in health discussions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a hedgehog (the animal represented by 猬) curling itself into a ball, its spines resembling the sharp lines of the character. The 'w' sound in 'wèi' can remind you of 'weird' which connects to the quirky appearance of these spiny creatures.
Meanings of 猬
wèi(wei4)
1porcupine, hedgehog; many, varied; vulgar, low
2hedgehog (family Erinaceidae)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 猬
猬Simplified
蝟Traditional
12Strokes
犭Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 猬
Podcast: 猬
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AI Study Notes for 猬
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a hedgehog (the animal represented by 猬) curling itself into a ball, its spines resembling the sharp lines of the character. The 'w' sound in 'wèi' can remind you of 'weird' which connects to the quirky appearance of these spiny creatures.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 猬 with similar-sounding characters that do not refer to animals. Register is generally neutral, but be cautious of using it in formal writing where its vulgar connotation could be inappropriate. It is often used in phrases that describe variety.
HSK Study Tips
While 猬 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enrich your vocabulary related to animals. Focus on pronunciation, as the correct tones will help distinguish it from other characters with similar sounds.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, some believe that parts of the hedgehog can have medicinal properties, making the concept of the hedgehog culturally significant in health discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 猬 with other animal characters like 熊 (xióng, bear) due to similar contexts. Remember, 猬 specifically refers to hedgehogs or porcupines, not bears.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 猬
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Grammar Patterns of 猬
猬 carries 2 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
杀人莫敢前,须如____毛磔.
Would slay whoever dared confront Those moustaches that Bristled like porcupinequills.
Example Sentences for 猬 (1)
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1
杀人莫敢前,须如猬毛磔.
shā rén mò gǎn qián, , xū rú wèi máo.
Would slay whoever dared confront Those moustaches that Bristled like porcupinequills.
Cultural Notes for 猬
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, some believe that parts of the hedgehog can have medicinal properties, making the concept of the hedgehog culturally significant in health discussions.
Word Family of 猬
Words Containing This Character2
刺猬hedgehog刺蝟
猬wèihedgehog (family Erinaceidae)蝟
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 刺猬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 猬
猬 specifically refers to hedgehogs and porcupines, while other characters, like 狗 (gǒu) for dog, refer to entirely different animals.
It is generally neutral, but its vulgar connotation may make it less suitable for formal contexts.
You might use it in phrases discussing wildlife or when describing something as varied.
