Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 胃 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 胃 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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). 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 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.
néng zài cháng wèi lǐ xùn sù fā jiào de shí wù shì jué jiā de tiān rán tōng biàn jì。
Foods that ferment quickly in the stomach are excellent natural laxatives.
8
20公里后她因胃痛而退出了比赛。
20 20 gōng lǐ hòu tā yīn wèi tòng ér tuì chū le bǐ。
She dropped out after 20 kilometres with stomach trouble.
9
牛津的社交圈过于开放,不合她的胃口.
niú jīn de shè jiāo quān guò yú kāi fàng, , bù hé tā de wèi.
Oxford's social circle was far too liberal for her taste.
10
她仍然患有严重的胃痉挛，感觉疼痛、疲乏、抑郁。
tā réng rán huàn yǒu yán zhòng de wèi jìng luán， ， gǎn jué téng、 tòng 、、 pí fá。
She continued to have severe stomach cramps, aches, fatigue, and depression.
Cultural Notes for 胃
🏮Cultural insight
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.
