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方位 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
方位
fāngwèi
direction
HSK 6, n, 11 strokes, rank #6672, Hard
方位
fāngwèi
points of the compass
HSK 6, n, 11 strokes, rank #6672, Hard
方位
fāngwèi
bearing
HSK 6, n, 11 strokes, rank #6672, Hard
方位
fāngwèi
position
HSK 6, n, 11 strokes, rank #6672, Hard
方位
fāngwèi
azimuth
HSK 6, n, 11 strokes, rank #6672, Hard
fāngwèi(fang1wei4)fang wei T1
1direction
2points of the compass
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March 24, 2026
方位fāngwèi(fang1wei4)
方位 refers to the concept of direction or position in relation to the cardinal points (north, south, east, west). It is commonly used in navigation, geography, and spatial orientation to describe where something is located or how to get to a particular place.
Strokes11Frequency#6672DifficultyHard
Cultural note
The concept of 方位 is significant in Chinese culture, particularly in feng shui, where the positioning of buildings and furniture in relation to cardinal directions is believed to influence harmony and fortune.
Memory tip
Imagine a compass with the character 方 (fāng) resembling a square compass rose. The character 位 (wèi) can be visualized as a person standing in a particular direction, pointing to their location. Together, they help you remember that 方位 indicates the direction you’re facing or traveling towards.
Meanings of 方位
fāngwèi(fang1wei4)
1direction
2points of the compass
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 方位
方位Simplified
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6672Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 方位
Podcast: 方位
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AI study notes for 方位
Quick Contrast
方向 (direction) - use 方位 when emphasizing specific positional relationships in geography, while 方向 is broader, referring to general directionality.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 方位; it is more commonly found in formal discussions about geography rather than in casual conversation. Learners often confuse it with 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means 'direction' but emphasizes a more general sense of orientation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 方位 is interconnected with other advanced vocabulary related to geography, navigation, and analysis. Focus on using it in context with phrases like '方位系统' (directional system) or '方位角' (azimuth) to enhance your understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 方位 with 方向; for example, saying '我需要知道这个地方的方向' (I need to know the direction of this place) instead of '方位'. Use 方位 when discussing specific geographic or navigational terms.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 方位
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Learning Lab
Knowing 方位 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.
方位 refers to the concept of direction or position in relation to the cardinal points (north, south, east, west). It is commonly used in navigation, geography, and spatial orientation to describe where something is located or how to get to a particular place.
When to use 方位
Be mindful of the context in which you use 方位; it is more commonly found in formal discussions about geography rather than in casual conversation. Learners often confuse it with 方向 (fāngxiàng), which means 'direction' but emphasizes a more general sense of orientation.
方位 or something close to it
方向 (direction) - use 方位 when emphasizing specific positional relationships in geography, while 方向 is broader, referring to general directionality.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 方位 with 方向; for example, saying '我需要知道这个地方的方向' (I need to know the direction of this place) instead of '方位'. Use 方位 when discussing specific geographic or navigational terms.
Write 方位
方
位
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Grammar patterns of 方位
方位 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 5 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.
