Meanings of 蜗
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Podcast: 蜗
Podcast: 蜗
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AI Study Notes for 蜗
Be careful with the pronunciation, particularly the tone. In Mandarin, 蜗 is pronounced with a first tone (wō), but in Taiwan, it can sometimes be pronounced with a different tone (gua1). It is often used in combination with other words, such as 蜗牛 (wō niú) for 'snail'.
While not part of the official HSK vocabulary, 蜗 can enhance your understanding of animal-related terms. Focus on the association of this character with the insect radical and practice combining it with other characters related to animals or nature.
Learners often confuse 蜗 (wō) with similar characters due to the tone, mistakenly saying 'guō' instead of 'wō'. Additionally, some might incorrectly use it in less common collocations, such as trying to pair it with unrelated animals.
Pronunciation of 蜗
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Jason Explains 蜗 to You
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 蜗
mollusk
Origin
蜗 = 虫 + 呙. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 蜗
Parts
Which of these is part of 蜗?
How to say snail; Eulota callizoma in Chinese
“snail; Eulota callizoma” in Chinese is蜗
The character 蜗 (wō) refers to a snail, a small mollusk known for its coiled shell and slow movement. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, often symbolizing slowness or the idea of retreating into one's shell for protection. In Taiwan, it may also refer to a specific type of snail.
When to use 蜗
Be careful with the pronunciation, particularly the tone. In Mandarin, 蜗 is pronounced with a first tone (wō), but in Taiwan, it can sometimes be pronounced with a different tone (gua1). It is often used in combination with other words, such as 蜗牛 (wō niú) for 'snail'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 蜗 (wō) with similar characters due to the tone, mistakenly saying 'guō' instead of 'wō'. Additionally, some might incorrectly use it in less common collocations, such as trying to pair it with unrelated animals.
Write 蜗
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Practice writing 蜗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 蜗
蜗 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 2 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.
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火车这会儿走得跟____牛一样慢。
The train was moving now at a snail's pace.
Example Sentences for 蜗 (2)
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Word Family of 蜗
Words with 蜗
What does 蜗牛 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蜗
Primarily, yes, 蜗 describes snails, but it can also be used metaphorically to refer to slowness in general.
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