Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
韙 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
wěiright; proper; perprietyx, 18 strokes, radical 韋, Very Hard
wěi(wei3) T3
  1. 1right; proper; perpriety
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
wěi(wei3)

The character 韙 (wěi) refers to something that is right or proper, often associated with propriety and decorum. It is used in contexts emphasizing correctness in behavior or moral standing, particularly in formal or literary discussions.

Strokes18RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Confucian philosophy, propriety (礼, lǐ) is a core value, and understanding characters like 韙 can deepen one’s appreciation for the importance placed on moral behavior in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise old man (the sound 'wěi') dressed in a ceremonial robe (the character's form) teaching the youth about proper conduct in society, symbolizing the essence of propriety.

Meanings of 韙

wěi(wei3)
1right; proper; perpriety
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 韙

Simplified
18Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 韙

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 韙

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a wise old man (the sound 'wěi') dressed in a ceremonial robe (the character's form) teaching the youth about proper conduct in society, symbolizing the essence of propriety.

Usage Notes

This character is more commonly found in literary or formal texts rather than casual conversation. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with similar sounding characters that have very different meanings, like 尾 (wěi), which means 'tail.'

HSK Study Tips

Although 韙 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK vocabulary related to morality and propriety, such as 仁 (rén, benevolence) and 礼 (lǐ, etiquette). Students at higher levels should focus on recognizing its literary usage.

Cultural Note

In Confucian philosophy, propriety (礼, lǐ) is a core value, and understanding characters like 韙 can deepen one’s appreciation for the importance placed on moral behavior in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners may mistakenly use 韙 in casual settings instead of more common words for 'right' or 'proper.' For example, saying '这个做法是韙' (This method is right) is awkward; instead, use '这个做法是对的' (This method is correct).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 韙

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 韙

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

right

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 韙?

Decomposition of 韙

IDS Structure⿺是韋
Full Character
=
shi4
enclosing
wei2
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 韙?

Write 韙

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 韙

🏮Cultural insight

In Confucian philosophy, propriety (礼, lǐ) is a core value, and understanding characters like 韙 can deepen one’s appreciation for the importance placed on moral behavior in Chinese culture.

Word Family of 韙

Words Containing This Character4
冒天下之大不韪to face opprobrium (idiom)冒天下之大不韙
wěicorrect
不韪fault不韙
冒大不韪to face opprobrium (idiom)冒大不韙
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 冒天下之大不韪 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 韙

It is pronounced 'wěi' with a falling-rising tone.