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March 24, 2026
胃wèi(wei4)
The character 胃 (wèi) refers to the stomach, which is a vital organ in the digestive system. It is commonly used in medical and health-related contexts, such as discussing digestion, appetite, and stomach ailments.
Strokes9Radical⺼Frequency#3494DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, traditional medicine often emphasizes the importance of stomach health, linking it to overall well-being. Foods that are considered 'good for the stomach' are frequently discussed in culinary contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant 'W' shape in the middle of your stomach, representing the character 胃. The 'W' can remind you of 'wéi' as you picture food moving into your stomach, which is shaped somewhat like a pouch or sack.
Meanings of 胃
wèi(wei4)
1stomach
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 胃
胃Simplified
9Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3494Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 胃
Podcast: 胃
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AI Study Notes for 胃
Quick Contrast
胃 (wèi) vs 肚子 (dùzi) — use 胃 for medical or anatomical contexts, while 肚子 is more informal and often refers to the belly or abdomen.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 胃 with the word for 'belly' (肚子, dùzi), which refers to the exterior part of the abdomen rather than the internal organ. 胃 is more formal and is primarily used in medical contexts, so be cautious with its use in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 胃 connects well with other health-related vocabulary. Students should focus on collocations such as 胃痛 (wèi tòng - stomachache) and 胃口 (wèi kǒu - appetite) to expand their understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 胃 when referring to general abdominal discomfort. Instead, use 胃 when specifically talking about stomach issues, such as 胃痛 (wèi tòng - stomach pain).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 胃
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The top component is a pictograph of the stomach. The bottom component ⺼ (flesh) is a common component in body parts.
1The giveawayThe stomach ⺼ behind the abdominal muscles 田
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 胃? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 胃?
Decomposition of 胃
IDS Structure⿱田⺼
胃Full Character
=
田Tian2
top
⺼rou4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 胃?
How to say stomach in Chinese
“stomach” in Chinese is胃wèi
The character 胃 (wèi) refers to the stomach, which is a vital organ in the digestive system. It is commonly used in medical and health-related contexts, such as discussing digestion, appetite, and stomach ailments.
When to use 胃
A common mistake is confusing 胃 with the word for 'belly' (肚子, dùzi), which refers to the exterior part of the abdomen rather than the internal organ. 胃 is more formal and is primarily used in medical contexts, so be cautious with its use in casual conversation.
胃 or something close to it
胃 (wèi) vs 肚子 (dùzi) — use 胃 for medical or anatomical contexts, while 肚子 is more informal and often refers to the belly or abdomen.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 胃 when referring to general abdominal discomfort. Instead, use 胃 when specifically talking about stomach issues, such as 胃痛 (wèi tòng - stomach pain).
Write 胃
胃
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Practice writing 胃 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 胃
胃 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
____口不好，这可不像你了。
It's not like you to be off your food.
Common Confusions with 胃
胃vs味
wèi
Similar pronunciation but refers to taste.
胃vs微
wēi
Similar shape and pronunciation, but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "stomach"?
or
Usage Notes for 胃
Common MisuseCommon Error
Some learners confuse 胃 with other words related to food and digestion.
