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March 24, 2026
隗kuí(Kui2)
The character 隗 (kuí) primarily refers to something high or lofty. It is also a surname and can denote specific historical references, such as the vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty. The term conveys a sense of elevation or prominence, both literally and figuratively.
Strokes11Radical阝Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The character 隗 is often associated with the ancient Zhou Dynasty, which is significant in Chinese history for its feudal system. Understanding this character can provide insights into the social structure and hierarchy of that era.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall mountain (the meaning of 'high') with a flag waving at the top, symbolizing 'lofty' ideals. The character 隗 has the radical for 'gate' (阝) suggesting something grand beyond a threshold, while the phonetic part can remind you of 'ku' in 'queue', waiting in line to reach the top of the mountain.
Meanings of 隗
kuí(Kui2)
primary
1high, lofty; surname
2Zhou Dynasty vassal state
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About 隗
隗Simplified
11Strokes
阝Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 隗
Podcast: 隗
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AI Study Notes for 隗
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tall mountain (the meaning of 'high') with a flag waving at the top, symbolizing 'lofty' ideals. The character 隗 has the radical for 'gate' (阝) suggesting something grand beyond a threshold, while the phonetic part can remind you of 'ku' in 'queue', waiting in line to reach the top of the mountain.
Usage Notes
Although 隗 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it is important in historical contexts. Learners should be careful with its pronunciation to avoid confusion with similar-sounding characters. In formal writing, it may appear in discussions of history or surnames.
HSK Study Tips
Since 隗 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, learners should focus on recognizing it in historical texts or literature. Connecting it with other characters that denote height or status could enhance retention, especially those at HSK levels 4 and above.
Cultural Note
The character 隗 is often associated with the ancient Zhou Dynasty, which is significant in Chinese history for its feudal system. Understanding this character can provide insights into the social structure and hierarchy of that era.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 隗 with similar-sounding characters, leading to mispronunciation. For example, saying 'wei' instead of 'kuí' would be incorrect. Additionally, using it in casual conversation can be misleading, as it is primarily historical.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 隗
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Cultural Notes for 隗
🏮Cultural insight
The character 隗 is often associated with the ancient Zhou Dynasty, which is significant in Chinese history for its feudal system. Understanding this character can provide insights into the social structure and hierarchy of that era.
Word Family of 隗
Words Containing This Character1
隗kuísurname Kui
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 隗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 隗
Yes, 隗 is a recognized surname in China, though it is not as common as many others.
The correct pronunciation is 'kuí', with a rising tone.
While it has specific meanings, it is mainly used in historical or literary contexts rather than daily conversation.
