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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#17573DifficultyVery Hard
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)
1Wei state, founded by Cao Cao 曹操, one of the Three Kingdoms from the fall of the Han
2Wei prefecture and Wei county at different historical periods
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 魏 means.
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
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.
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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How Well Do You Know 魏?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 魏 is seven skills, not one.
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.
魏 = 鬼 + 委. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 魏
IDS Structure⿰委鬼
魏Full Character
=
委wei1
left
鬼gui3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 魏?
How to say surname Wei in Chinese
“surname Wei” in Chinese is魏wèi
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.
When to use 魏
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 魏
魏
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Practice writing 魏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
