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March 24, 2026
蜈wú(wu2)
The character 蜈 (wú) refers to a 'centipede,' which is a long, segmented arthropod known for its numerous legs. In Chinese culture, centipedes can be associated with both traditional medicine and certain superstitions. The term is often used in discussions of nature, biology, or in idiomatic expressions related to pests.
Strokes13Radical虫Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, centipedes (especially certain species) are believed to have medicinal properties and are sometimes used in herbal remedies. This reflects the historical significance of insects in Chinese pharmacology.
Memory Tip
Imagine a centipede (蜈) crawling swiftly over a winding path. The character has the radical for 'insect' (虫) at the bottom, emphasizing its identity as an arthropod. Picture it whispering 'wú' as it scuttles away, making it easier to remember the pronunciation.
Meanings of 蜈
wú(wu2)
1centipede
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 蜈
蜈Simplified
13Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蜈
Podcast: 蜈
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AI Study Notes for 蜈
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a centipede (蜈) crawling swiftly over a winding path. The character has the radical for 'insect' (虫) at the bottom, emphasizing its identity as an arthropod. Picture it whispering 'wú' as it scuttles away, making it easier to remember the pronunciation.
Usage Notes
The term 蜈 is primarily used in a scientific or biological context, and it is not commonly used in everyday conversation. Be cautious with the tone, as mispronouncing it could change the meaning entirely. It often appears in compound words related to insects and pest control.
HSK Study Tips
While 蜈 is not featured in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other animal-related words at the beginner level. Focus on the radicals and components of the character to help memorize it, as well as its pronunciation.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, centipedes (especially certain species) are believed to have medicinal properties and are sometimes used in herbal remedies. This reflects the historical significance of insects in Chinese pharmacology.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蜈 with similar insect-related characters like 蚂 or 蚊. For example, saying 蜈 instead of 蚂 (ant) is incorrect. Always double-check the context to ensure the right insect is being referred to.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蜈
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Cultural Notes for 蜈
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, centipedes (especially certain species) are believed to have medicinal properties and are sometimes used in herbal remedies. This reflects the historical significance of insects in Chinese pharmacology.
Word Family of 蜈
Words Containing This Character2
蜈蚣centipede
蜈wúcentipede
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 蜈蚣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蜈
The pronunciation is 'wú,' with a rising tone, similar to how you might say 'woo' in English but with a higher pitch.
While 蜈 itself is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, it may appear in discussions about pests or nature.
蜈 specifically refers to centipedes, while other characters like 蚂 (mǎ) refer to ants or other insects.
