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March 24, 2026
寤wù(wu4)
The character 寤 (wù) primarily means to awaken from sleep, often used in literary contexts. It can also convey the idea of scarcity or emptiness, describing places or situations that are deserted or lacking in something. This usage is more formal and less common in everyday conversation.
Strokes14Radical宀Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of waking from sleep can be tied to traditional Chinese poetry, where awakening often symbolizes enlightenment or realization. Many poems reflect on the transition from sleep to awareness, illustrating deeper philosophical themes.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person waking up in an empty room (寤) where there is nothing around—this helps connect the idea of awakening and emptiness. The character's components, with the 'sleep' radical (宀) on top, reinforce the meaning of awakening from sleep.
Meanings of 寤
wù(wu4)
1few, scarce; empty, deserted
2to awake from sleep
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 寤
寤Simplified
14Strokes
宀Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 寤
Podcast: 寤
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AI Study Notes for 寤
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person waking up in an empty room (寤) where there is nothing around—this helps connect the idea of awakening and emptiness. The character's components, with the 'sleep' radical (宀) on top, reinforce the meaning of awakening from sleep.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 寤 with 醒 (xǐng), which also means to awaken but is more commonly used in everyday language. 寤 is more literary and may not be familiar to all speakers, so it is better suited for formal or poetic contexts. Pay attention to the tone when pronouncing wù, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Since 寤 is not part of HSK vocabulary, focus on its literary usage and try to connect it with other vocabulary involving sleep (like 眠 mián) or solitude (like 独 dú). This will enhance comprehension of related themes in Chinese literature.
Cultural Note
The concept of waking from sleep can be tied to traditional Chinese poetry, where awakening often symbolizes enlightenment or realization. Many poems reflect on the transition from sleep to awareness, illustrating deeper philosophical themes.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 寤 with its similar-sounding counterpart 醒. For example, saying '我昨天晚上寤得很晚' (I awoke very late last night) is incorrect; it should be '我昨天晚上醒得很晚'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 寤
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Cultural Notes for 寤
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of waking from sleep can be tied to traditional Chinese poetry, where awakening often symbolizes enlightenment or realization. Many poems reflect on the transition from sleep to awareness, illustrating deeper philosophical themes.
Word Family of 寤
Words Containing This Character2
寤wùto awake from sleep
寤寐at any time
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 寤 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 寤
No, it's more frequently found in literary or formal contexts.
It is pronounced with a falling tone, wù.
Synonyms include 醒 (xǐng), which is more commonly used in daily conversation.
