Meanings of 巍
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 巍
Podcast: 巍
Podcast: 巍
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 巍
高 (gāo) - use 巍 (wēi) when emphasizing majesty or grandeur, while 高 (gāo) is more general for height.
Use 巍 in both formal and literary contexts, particularly when describing impressive natural landscapes or esteemed individuals. Be cautious of tone, as mispronouncing it with the second tone (wei2) can change its meaning entirely. Common collocations include 巍峨 (wēi'é), meaning 'towering' or 'majestic.'
Although 巍 is not part of the standard HSK levels, it connects with vocabulary related to nature and descriptions. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in literary texts, which often employ elevated language and imagery.
Learners often confuse 巍 with similar-sounding characters and may mistakenly use it inappropriately in casual conversation. For example, using it to describe everyday objects instead of majestic ones is incorrect; instead, use it for mountains or grand structures.
Pronunciation of 巍
Drill the tone of 巍 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 巍
Phonosemantic compound. 山 represents the meaning and 魏 represents the sound.
mountain
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 巍
Phonosemantic compound. 山 represents the meaning and 魏 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half山 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half魏 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymountain
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 巍? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 巍?
Decomposition of 巍
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 巍?
How to say high, lofty; eminent, majestic in Chinese
“high, lofty; eminent, majestic” in Chinese is巍
The character 巍 (wēi) means 'high' or 'lofty' and conveys a sense of majesty or prominence. It is often used to describe mountains or structures that are towering and impressive. In literary contexts, it can also refer to individuals of high status or achievement.
When to use 巍
Use 巍 in both formal and literary contexts, particularly when describing impressive natural landscapes or esteemed individuals. Be cautious of tone, as mispronouncing it with the second tone (wei2) can change its meaning entirely. Common collocations include 巍峨 (wēi'é), meaning 'towering' or 'majestic.'
巍 or something close to it
高 (gāo) - use 巍 (wēi) when emphasizing majesty or grandeur, while 高 (gāo) is more general for height.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 巍 with similar-sounding characters and may mistakenly use it inappropriately in casual conversation. For example, using it to describe everyday objects instead of majestic ones is incorrect; instead, use it for mountains or grand structures.
Write 巍
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 巍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 巍
巍 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 3 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
他的演说很难听懂，他的签名颤颤____巍地无法识别。
His speech was difficult to understand, his signature shaky and unrecognizable.
Example Sentences for 巍 (3)
Word Family of 巍
Compound Meaning
What does 巍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 巍
The character 巍 is pronounced as 'wēi' with a high level tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 巍?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.