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March 24, 2026
尾巴wěiba(wei3ba5)
尾巴 (wěi ba) refers to the tail of an animal, commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. In everyday conversation, it can describe the physical tail of pets like dogs and cats, but it may also be used metaphorically to discuss the trailing end of various things, such as a story or an event.
Strokes11Frequency#4814DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, animals often hold symbolic meanings, and the tail (尾巴) can represent loyalty and companionship, especially when referring to pets. For example, the tail of a dog symbolizes its happiness and eagerness to please.
Memory Tip
Imagine a dog wagging its tail (尾巴) excitedly. The character 尾 (wěi) looks like a tail itself, with the radical 尾 resembling a wiggly tail shape. Picture the dog saying 'Wee!' as it wags its tail, connecting the sound to the pronunciation.
Meanings of 尾巴
wěiba(wei3ba5)
1tail
2colloquial pr. [yi3 ba5]
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About 尾巴
尾巴Simplified
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4814Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 尾巴
Podcast: 尾巴
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AI Study Notes for 尾巴
Quick Contrast
尾巴 (tail) vs 尾 (end) — use 尾巴 when specifically referring to the tail of an animal, while 尾 is more general and can refer to the end of anything.
Usage Notes
When using 尾巴, remember that it is typically informal. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar words that may apply in formal contexts. A common mistake is to use it in overly formal writing, where alternatives like '尾' (tail) might be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 尾巴 connects well with other animal-related vocabulary and can help expand your understanding of descriptive language. Focus on its usage in sentences to enhance your conversational skills.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly pronounce 尾巴 as [yi3 ba5] instead of [wei3 ba5]. Another common error is using it in overly formal situations where a simpler term like 尾 would be more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 尾巴
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尾巴 (wěi ba) refers to the tail of an animal, commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. In everyday conversation, it can describe the physical tail of pets like dogs and cats, but it may also be used metaphorically to discuss the trailing end of various things, such as a story or an event.
When to use 尾巴
When using 尾巴, remember that it is typically informal. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar words that may apply in formal contexts. A common mistake is to use it in overly formal writing, where alternatives like '尾' (tail) might be more appropriate.
尾巴 or something close to it
尾巴 (tail) vs 尾 (end) — use 尾巴 when specifically referring to the tail of an animal, while 尾 is more general and can refer to the end of anything.
What learners get wrong
Learners might mistakenly pronounce 尾巴 as [yi3 ba5] instead of [wei3 ba5]. Another common error is using it in overly formal situations where a simpler term like 尾 would be more appropriate.
Write 尾巴
尾
巴
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Grammar Patterns of 尾巴
尾巴 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
那只棕鼠两只耳朵向前支着，一条长____布满鳞片。
The brown rat has prominent ears and a long scaly tail.
The whale uses its strong tail to propel itself through the water.
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Cultural Notes for 尾巴
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, while the tail is often seen merely as a physical feature, in Chinese culture, it can carry deeper symbolic meanings reflecting emotions and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 尾巴
No, 尾巴 can also be used metaphorically to refer to the end of a story or event.
It is pronounced as 'wěi ba', with the third tone on 'wei' and the neutral tone on 'ba'.
It's better to use 尾 (wěi) in formal contexts, as 尾巴 is more colloquial.
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