Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
萎wěi(wei3)
The character 萎 (wěi) primarily means 'to wither' or 'to decline,' often used in reference to plants that are wilting or losing vitality. In a broader context, it can describe a decrease in energy, spirit, or quality, making it relevant in both literal and figurative situations.
Strokes11Radical艹Frequency#23688DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the imagery of withering plants often symbolizes loss or sadness, resonating with themes in poetry and art. This character can evoke the transient nature of life, which is a common motif in traditional Chinese philosophy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wilting flower drooping its head in sadness. The character 萎 has a radical for 'plant' (艹) on top, symbolizing vegetation, while the bottom part resembles a person (韦) who appears weak and spiritless, emphasizing the concept of decline.
Meanings of 萎
wěi(wei3)
1to wither
2to drop
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 萎
萎Simplified
11Strokes
艹Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#23688Frequency Rank
Podcast: 萎
Podcast: 萎
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 萎
Quick Contrast
衰 (shuāi) - use 萎 (wěi) when referring specifically to plants or vitality loss, while 衰 (shuāi) is broader, including general decline in health or strength.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wilting flower drooping its head in sadness. The character 萎 has a radical for 'plant' (艹) on top, symbolizing vegetation, while the bottom part resembles a person (韦) who appears weak and spiritless, emphasizing the concept of decline.
Usage Notes
This character is more commonly used in written Chinese than in spoken language, so learners may encounter it frequently in literature or formal contexts. Be cautious of the tone; the third tone (wěi) is essential, as using the first tone (wēi) can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 萎 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial for learners at HSK 4 and above, especially when studying literature or more complex expressions. Focus on recognizing its usage in context and its connection with similar words like 衰 (shuāi), meaning 'to decline.'
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the imagery of withering plants often symbolizes loss or sadness, resonating with themes in poetry and art. This character can evoke the transient nature of life, which is a common motif in traditional Chinese philosophy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 萎 with other similar-sounding characters, like 魏 (wèi) or 危 (wēi). For example, saying '这朵花已经魏了' is incorrect; the correct form is '这朵花已经萎了.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 萎
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 萎 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 萎 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 萎
萎 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 7 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
牙龈____缩可能是疾病导致的，也可能仅仅是错误的刷牙方式引起的。
Receding gums can be the result of disease or simply incorrect brushing.
Example Sentences for 萎 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
牙龈萎缩可能是疾病导致的，也可能仅仅是错误的刷牙方式引起的。
yá yín wěi suō kě néng shì jí bìng dǎo zhì de， ， yě kě néng jǐn jǐn shì cuò wù de shuā yá fāng shì yǐn qǐ。
Receding gums can be the result of disease or simply incorrect brushing.
This can lead to bodily weakness and muscle wastage.
7
应该把花园里所有枯萎的花草制成堆肥，然后再用它们给花园施肥。
yīng gāi bǎ huā yuán lǐ suǒ yǒu kū wěi de huā cǎo zhì chéng duī féi， ， rán hòu zài yòng tā mén gěi huā yuán shī。
All garden waste should be composted and returned to the garden.
8
上星期，他因出现肺萎陷而被火速送进医院。
shàng xīng qī， ， tā yīn chū xiàn fèi wěi xiàn ér bèi huǒ sù sòng jìn yī。
He was rushed to hospital last week after suffering a collapsed lung.
9
这个部门因为预算削减而逐年萎缩。
zhè gè bù mén yīn wéi yù suàn xiāo jiǎn ér zhú nián wěi suō。
The department has been shrinking year by year because of budget cuts.
10
伊莎贝尔房间里的花已经枯萎了。
yī suō bèi ěr fáng jiān lǐ de huā yǐ jīng kū wěi le。
The flowers in Isabel's room had withered.
Cultural Notes for 萎
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the imagery of withering plants often symbolizes loss or sadness, resonating with themes in poetry and art. This character can evoke the transient nature of life, which is a common motif in traditional Chinese philosophy.
Word Family of 萎
Words Containing This Character8
萎缩wěisuōto wither萎縮
枯萎kūwěito wilt
萎wěito wither
萎靡dispirited
萎靡不振dispirited and listless (idiom); downcast
枯萎病blight
哲人其萎a wise man has passed away (idiom)
颓萎listless頹萎
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 萎缩 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 萎
You can use it like this: 这朵花已经萎了 (Zhè duǒ huā yǐjīng wěi le) meaning 'This flower has already withered.'
While it primarily refers to plants, it can also describe a person's lack of energy or spirit.
Some synonyms include 衰 (shuāi) for decline and 枯 (kū) for withered, especially in reference to plants.
