Meanings of 尾
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 尾
Podcast: 尾
Podcast: 尾
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 尾
尾 (wěi) vs 尾巴 (wěiba) — use 尾 for a more formal or technical reference to 'tail', while 尾巴 is more colloquial.
A common mistake is to confuse 尾 with similar characters like 尾巴 (wěiba), which specifically means 'tail' in a more casual context. Be cautious with tone, as the third tone (wěi) can be tricky; ensure you pronounce it correctly to avoid confusion with other terms.
While 尾 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects to Level 3 and beyond with words related to animals (like 马, mǎ for 'horse') and body parts. Focus on recognizing this character in phrases or when discussing animals to strengthen vocabulary.
Learners often write 尾 incorrectly by confusing it with similar looking characters like 射 (shè). Remember, 尾 has the tail radical at the bottom, which is a hint towards its meaning of 'tail'.
Pronunciation of 尾
Drill the tone of 尾 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 尾
Depicts fur (毛) protruding from the posterior of an animal.
A furry 毛 tail behind a body 尸
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 尾
Depicts fur (毛) protruding from the posterior of an animal.
- 1The giveawayA furry 毛 tail behind a body 尸
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 尾? 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
What type of character formation is 尾?
Decomposition of 尾
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 尾?
How to say tail in Chinese
“tail” in Chinese is尾
The character 尾 (wěi) primarily means 'tail' and can refer to the tail of animals like horses or fish, as well as the extremity or remainder of something. It is often used in contexts discussing the physical anatomy of animals or in metaphoric expressions about endings or remains.
When to use 尾
A common mistake is to confuse 尾 with similar characters like 尾巴 (wěiba), which specifically means 'tail' in a more casual context. Be cautious with tone, as the third tone (wěi) can be tricky; ensure you pronounce it correctly to avoid confusion with other terms.
尾 or something close to it
尾 (wěi) vs 尾巴 (wěiba) — use 尾 for a more formal or technical reference to 'tail', while 尾巴 is more colloquial.
What learners get wrong
Learners often write 尾 incorrectly by confusing it with similar looking characters like 射 (shè). Remember, 尾 has the tail radical at the bottom, which is a hint towards its meaning of 'tail'.
Write 尾
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 尾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 尾
尾 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 9 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
关于我们的报道大都是彻头彻____的胡编乱造。
Much of what has been written about us is out-and-out lies.
Common Confusions with 尾
Similar in sound, but has a distinct meaning.
Similar in shape but has a different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "tail"?
Example Sentences for 尾 (10)
Word Family of 尾
Compound Meaning
What does 娓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 尾
In Chinese astrology, 尾 represents the sixth of the 28 constellations, which is significant in various astrological readings and interpretations. Each constellation has its own characteristics and meanings, making 尾 an interesting part of Chinese cultural studies.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 尾?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.