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March 24, 2026
兀wù(Wu4)
The character 兀 (wù) primarily conveys the meanings of being weak or lame, but it also relates to towering heights or baldness. It is often used in literary contexts and can refer to a surname, especially Wu. The character can imply a sense of elevation, both physically and metaphorically.
Strokes3Radical兀Frequency#26803DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, baldness can symbolize wisdom and maturity, often associated with monks or sages. The character 兀 can also relate to the philosophy of elevation, where reaching a high status is admired.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bald eagle (the character's pronunciation, wù, sounds like 'who') soaring high in the sky, representing both weakness (in terms of a bald head) and towering heights. The character 兀 resembles a person with a bald head looking upwards, emphasizing the contrast between being grounded and reaching for the heights.
Meanings of 兀
wù(Wu4)
1weak; lame
2rising to a height
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 兀
兀Simplified
3Strokes
兀Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 兀
Podcast: 兀
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AI Study Notes for 兀
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bald eagle (the character's pronunciation, wù, sounds like 'who') soaring high in the sky, representing both weakness (in terms of a bald head) and towering heights. The character 兀 resembles a person with a bald head looking upwards, emphasizing the contrast between being grounded and reaching for the heights.
Usage Notes
This character is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more common in literary or formal contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters; pronunciation is crucial. Common collocations include terms related to baldness or elevation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 兀 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it presents an opportunity for learners to explore less common characters that enrich their understanding of the language. Focus on its usage in literary texts and familiarize yourself with its variations within different contexts.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, baldness can symbolize wisdom and maturity, often associated with monks or sages. The character 兀 can also relate to the philosophy of elevation, where reaching a high status is admired.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 兀 with other characters that have similar sounds or appearances, such as 物 (wù, meaning 'thing'). Ensure you remember its unique meaning related to weakness and elevation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 兀
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Grammar Patterns of 兀
兀 carries 5 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 3
Complete the Sentence
窗上蒙了水汽，向外望去，原本突____的街灯变得模糊起来。
The windows misted, blurring the stark streetlight.
Example Sentences for 兀 (3)
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1
窗上蒙了水汽，向外望去，原本突兀的街灯变得模糊起来。
chuāng shàng mēng le shuǐ qì， ， xiàng wài wàng， qù ， yuán běn tū wù de jiē dēng biàn dé mó hū。
The windows misted, blurring the stark streetlight.
2
鲜花摆上之后，突兀的混凝土墙便显得柔和起来。
xiān huā bǎi shàng zhī hòu， ， tū wù de hùn níng tǔ qiáng biàn xiǎn dé róu hé qǐ。
Stark concrete walls have been softened by a show of fresh flowers.
3
兀鹰已经在绕着动物的尸体盘旋了.
wù yīng yǐ jīng zài rào zháo dòng wù de shī tǐ pán xuán le.
The vultures were already circling around the dead animal.
Cultural Notes for 兀
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, baldness can symbolize wisdom and maturity, often associated with monks or sages. The character 兀 can also relate to the philosophy of elevation, where reaching a high status is admired.
Word Family of 兀
Words Containing This Character6
兀wùbald
突兀lofty or towering
兀鹫vulture兀鷲
兀自yet
兀立to stand upright and motionless
兀鹰bald eagle兀鷹
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 兀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 兀
兀 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, as it is more often found in literary contexts.
兀 is pronounced as 'wù', with a falling tone.
Yes, 兀 can be a surname, particularly the surname Wu.
