Meanings of 巫
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About 巫
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Podcast: 巫
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AI Study Notes for 巫
巫 (wū) vs 僧 (sēng) — use 巫 for spiritual practitioners associated with magic or witchcraft, while 僧 refers specifically to Buddhist monks.
In informal contexts, 巫 can be used to describe someone who practices witchcraft or engages in spiritual practices, while in formal contexts, it may refer to historical or folkloric figures. Common mistakes include confusing it with other similar-sounding words or mispronouncing it as 'wǔ,' which has a different meaning. It often appears in phrases related to spirituality or traditional medicine.
Though not part of the HSK vocabulary, 巫 can be useful for learners interested in folklore or cultural studies. It connects with other HSK-level words related to traditional practices in China. Focus on pronunciation and recognizing its cultural significance in stories and historical texts.
Learners often confuse 巫 with similar characters like 妖 (yāo, meaning monster or demon) due to their thematic overlap. For example, saying '她是一个巫妖' (Tā shì yīgè wū yāo) incorrectly implies 'she is a witch demon,' when it should be '她是一个巫师' (Tā shì yīgè wūshī) for 'she is a witch.'
Pronunciation of 巫
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Etymology of 巫
Depicts some sort of object used by shamans. The exact nature of this object is unclear.
A cross-shaped divining rod
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 巫
Depicts some sort of object used by shamans. The exact nature of this object is unclear.
- 1The giveawayA cross-shaped divining rod
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 巫? 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
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Decomposition of 巫
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How to say surname Wu in Chinese
“surname Wu” in Chinese is巫
The character 巫 (wū) refers to a wizard, sorcerer, witch, or shaman, highlighting a connection to the spiritual and supernatural. It is often used in contexts involving traditional Chinese beliefs, folklore, or practices of divination and healing. The term can also serve as a surname in Chinese culture.
When to use 巫
In informal contexts, 巫 can be used to describe someone who practices witchcraft or engages in spiritual practices, while in formal contexts, it may refer to historical or folkloric figures. Common mistakes include confusing it with other similar-sounding words or mispronouncing it as 'wǔ,' which has a different meaning. It often appears in phrases related to spirituality or traditional medicine.
巫 or something close to it
巫 (wū) vs 僧 (sēng) — use 巫 for spiritual practitioners associated with magic or witchcraft, while 僧 refers specifically to Buddhist monks.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 巫 with similar characters like 妖 (yāo, meaning monster or demon) due to their thematic overlap. For example, saying '她是一个巫妖' (Tā shì yīgè wū yāo) incorrectly implies 'she is a witch demon,' when it should be '她是一个巫师' (Tā shì yīgè wūshī) for 'she is a witch.'
Write 巫
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Practice writing 巫 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 巫
巫 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
男____通常用魔杖来施魔法.
Wizards usually use magic wands to perform spells.
Example Sentences for 巫 (2)
Word Family of 巫
Compound Meaning
What does 巫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 巫
巫 specifically refers to shamans or traditional practitioners, while 魔法师 refers to a wizard or magician in a more Western sense.
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