name of vassal state of Zhou dynasty from 661 BC in Shanxi, one of the Seven Hero Warring States
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 鬼, rank #17573, Hard
魏
wèi
Wei state, founded by Cao Cao 曹操, one of the Three Kingdoms from the fall of the Han
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 鬼, rank #17573, Hard
魏
wèi
the Wei dynasty 221-265
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 鬼, rank #17573, Hard
魏
wèi
Wei prefecture and Wei county at different historical periods
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 鬼, rank #17573, Hard
wèi(Wei4) T4
1the kingdom of Wei; surname
2name of vassal state of Zhou dynasty from 661 BC in Shanxi, one of the Seven Hero Warring States
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March 24, 2026
魏wèi(Wei4)
魏 (wèi) refers to a historical kingdom in ancient China, particularly known during the Warring States period and the Three Kingdoms era. It is also a common Chinese surname and is associated with various historical figures and regions, including the Wei dynasty founded by Cao Cao.
Strokes17Radical鬼Frequency#17573DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The state of Wei played a significant role during the Warring States period, and its legacy continues in Chinese literature and drama, especially in stories about the Three Kingdoms. Historical sites related to the Wei state attract tourists interested in this era.
Memory Tip
Think of 魏 as a 'way' (sounds like 'wèi') to remember the ancient kingdom. The character consists of the fish radical 魚 (yú) at the bottom, which can symbolize the riverine landscapes where ancient states thrived, and a component that looks like a roof, suggesting a place where people gather, like a kingdom.
Meanings of 魏
wèi(Wei4)
1the kingdom of Wei; surname
2name of vassal state of Zhou dynasty from 661 BC in Shanxi, one of the Seven Hero Warring States
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 魏
魏Simplified
17Strokes
鬼Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 魏
Podcast: 魏
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AI Study Notes for 魏
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 魏 as a 'way' (sounds like 'wèi') to remember the ancient kingdom. The character consists of the fish radical 魚 (yú) at the bottom, which can symbolize the riverine landscapes where ancient states thrived, and a component that looks like a roof, suggesting a place where people gather, like a kingdom.
Usage Notes
When using 魏 as a surname, it is common in both formal and informal contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with other similar characters, such as 威 (wēi), which means power or prestige. The tone is crucial; mispronouncing it can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 魏 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to cultural and historical studies at higher levels. Students should focus on recognizing its historical significance and its usage in literature and historical texts.
Cultural Note
The state of Wei played a significant role during the Warring States period, and its legacy continues in Chinese literature and drama, especially in stories about the Three Kingdoms. Historical sites related to the Wei state attract tourists interested in this era.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 魏 with similar-sounding characters. For example, misusing 威 (wēi) instead of 魏 (wèi) can lead to misunderstandings about power versus historical context. Always double-check the tone and meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 魏
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Grammar Patterns of 魏
魏 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 6 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
格雷特·____茨到达终点时成绩是2小时29分30秒。
Grete Waitz finished with a time of 2 hrs. 29 min.. 30 sec.
Example Sentences for 魏 (3)
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1
格雷特·魏茨到达终点时成绩是2小时29分30秒。
gé léi tè· · wèi cí dào dá zhōng diǎn shí chéng jì2 shì 229 xiǎo30 shí。
Grete Waitz finished with a time of 2 hrs. 29 min.. 30 sec.
In moments, nothing was left of Old Wei but bare bones.
3
“ 魏二铁, 刘厚明, 过来!
“ “ wèi èr, tiě , liú, hòu míng!
" Wei Er Tie, Liu Hou Ming , come here . "
Cultural Notes for 魏
🏮Cultural insight
The state of Wei played a significant role during the Warring States period, and its legacy continues in Chinese literature and drama, especially in stories about the Three Kingdoms. Historical sites related to the Wei state attract tourists interested in this era.
Word Family of 魏
Words Containing This Character10
魏wèisurname Wei
北魏Wei of the Northern Dynasties (386-534), founded by the Tuoba 拓跋 branch of Xianbei 鮮卑|鲜卑
魏晋Wei (220-265) and Jin (265-420) dynasties魏晉
魏国Wei State or Cao Wei 曹魏 (220-265), the most powerful of the Three Kingdoms魏國
魏忠贤Wei Zhongxian (1568-1627), infamous eunuch politician of late Ming魏忠賢
魏征Wei Zheng (580-643), Tang politician and historian, notorious as a critic, editor of History of the Sui Dynasty 隋書|隋书魏徵
曹魏Cao Wei, the most powerful of the Three Kingdoms, established as a dynasty in 220 by Cao Pi 曹丕, son of Cao Cao, replaced by Jin dynasty in 265
东魏Eastern Wei of the Northern dynasties (534-550), formed from the break-up of Wei of the Northern Dynasties 北魏東魏
西魏Western Wei of the Northern dynasties (535-557), formed from the break-up of Wei of the Northern Dynasties 北魏
魏巍Wei Wei (1920-2008), novelist and poet, author of award-winning novel The East 東方|东方 about the Korean war
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 魏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 魏
The surname 魏 has historical significance and is linked to the ancient kingdom and its rulers, particularly in the context of the Three Kingdoms.
While the character itself may not appear frequently in everyday conversation, it is important in historical discussions and literature.
The character 魏 is written the same in both simplified and traditional Chinese.
