Meanings of 尾
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About 尾
Podcast: 尾
Podcast: 尾
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AI Study Notes for 尾
尾 (wěi) vs 尾巴 (wěiba) — use 尾 for a more formal or technical reference to 'tail', while 尾巴 is more colloquial.
Imagine a horse with a flowing tail (尾) that sways as it gallops. The character has a visual resemblance to a tail curving downwards, emphasizing its meaning. Think of the horse's tail as the 'end' of the horse, linking the shape and function in your memory.
A common mistake is to confuse 尾 with similar characters like 尾巴 (wěiba), which specifically means 'tail' in a more casual context. Be cautious with tone, as the third tone (wěi) can be tricky; ensure you pronounce it correctly to avoid confusion with other terms.
While 尾 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects to Level 3 and beyond with words related to animals (like 马, mǎ for 'horse') and body parts. Focus on recognizing this character in phrases or when discussing animals to strengthen vocabulary.
In Chinese culture, the concept of a 'tail' (尾) can also symbolize the end of a journey or narrative, often used in storytelling to signify conclusion or transition. This can be seen in idioms and proverbs that relate to endings.
Learners often write 尾 incorrectly by confusing it with similar looking characters like 射 (shè). Remember, 尾 has the tail radical at the bottom, which is a hint towards its meaning of 'tail'.
Pronunciation of 尾
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Etymology of 尾
Depicts fur (毛) protruding from the posterior of an animal.
A furry 毛 tail behind a body 尸
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 尾?
Decomposition of 尾
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 尾?
Write 尾
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Practice writing 尾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 尾
尾 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 9 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.
Complete the Sentence
关于我们的报道大都是彻头彻____的胡编乱造。
Much of what has been written about us is out-and-out lies.
Common Confusions with 尾
Similar in sound, but has a distinct meaning.
Similar in shape but has a different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "tail"?
Example Sentences for 尾 (10)
Cultural Notes for 尾
In Chinese culture, the concept of a 'tail' (尾) can also symbolize the end of a journey or narrative, often used in storytelling to signify conclusion or transition. This can be seen in idioms and proverbs that relate to endings.
Word Family of 尾
Compound Meaning
What does 娓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 尾
In Chinese astrology, 尾 represents the sixth of the 28 constellations, which is significant in various astrological readings and interpretations. Each constellation has its own characteristics and meanings, making 尾 an interesting part of Chinese cultural studies.