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March 24, 2026
微Wēi(Wei1)
The character 微 (wēi) primarily means tiny or small, often used in contexts relating to micro-scale items or concepts. It also has connotations of profundity or subtlety, suggesting something that is not only small in size but also intricate or deep in meaning, such as 微妙 (wēimiào), meaning subtle. In scientific contexts, it represents one millionth of a unit, such as in measurements.
Strokes13Radical彳Frequency#5351DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 微 can be associated with the concept of subtlety in art and literature, where small details can carry significant meaning, reflecting the broader cultural appreciation for nuance and depth.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny ant (微) carrying a microchip on its back, symbolizing both smallness and complexity. The character’s components suggest something delicate and profound, just as the ant’s small size belies its significant role in the ecosystem.
Meanings of 微
Wēi(Wei1)
1ancient Chinese state near present day Chongqing
2Taiwan pr. [wéi]
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About 微
微Simplified
13Strokes
彳Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#5351Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 微
Podcast: 微
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AI Study Notes for 微
Quick Contrast
微 (wēi) vs 小 (xiǎo) — use 微 for nuances of subtlety or micro-scale, while 小 is more general for small size.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 微 with similar-sounding words, such as 维 (wéi), which means to maintain or to support. Use 微 in formal contexts when discussing nuanced or subtle ideas, but be cautious with its informal usage in everyday conversation, as it may sound overly formal.
HSK Study Tips
Although 微 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it complements words at HSK Level 3 and above, particularly those dealing with smallness or intricacy. Focus on its application in scientific contexts and phrases that express subtlety or profundity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 微 with 维, mistakenly using it in contexts unrelated to smallness, such as saying 微持 (wēi chí) instead of 维持 (wéi chí) for 'maintain'. Ensure to use 微 specifically for contexts involving smallness or subtlety.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 微
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Knowing 微 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.
How to say ancient Chinese state near present day Chongqing in Chinese
“ancient Chinese state near present day Chongqing” in Chinese is微Wēi
The character 微 (wēi) primarily means tiny or small, often used in contexts relating to micro-scale items or concepts. It also has connotations of profundity or subtlety, suggesting something that is not only small in size but also intricate or deep in meaning, such as 微妙 (wēimiào), meaning subtle. In scientific contexts, it represents one millionth of a unit, such as in measurements.
When to use 微
Common mistakes include confusing 微 with similar-sounding words, such as 维 (wéi), which means to maintain or to support. Use 微 in formal contexts when discussing nuanced or subtle ideas, but be cautious with its informal usage in everyday conversation, as it may sound overly formal.
微 or something close to it
微 (wēi) vs 小 (xiǎo) — use 微 for nuances of subtlety or micro-scale, while 小 is more general for small size.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 微 with 维, mistakenly using it in contexts unrelated to smallness, such as saying 微持 (wēi chí) instead of 维持 (wéi chí) for 'maintain'. Ensure to use 微 specifically for contexts involving smallness or subtlety.
Write 微
微
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Grammar Patterns of 微
微 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 12 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.
This may sound trivial, but I assure you it is quite important!
8
要是没用过他们新的微系统，这辈子就算白活了。
yào shì méi yòng guò tā mén xīn de wēi xì tǒng， ， zhè bèi zǐ jiù suàn bái huó。
You haven't lived until you've used their new micro system.
9
一张张白帆随着微风舞动。
yī zhāng zhāng bái fān suí zháo wēi fēng wǔ dòng。
The white sails billow with the breezes they catch.
10
厨师的薄唇一弯，露出一丝不易察觉的微笑。
chú shī de báo chún yī wān， ， lòu chū yī sī bù yì chá jué de wēi。
A small, unobtrusive smile curved the cook's thin lips.
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Cultural Notes for 微
💡Did you know?
In modern Chinese, 微 is often used in scientific terms, like '微生物' (microorganism) and '微米' (micrometer), highlighting the importance of small entities in science and technology.
📜Proverb
There's a saying in Chinese: '微不足道' (wēi bù zú dào), meaning something is too small to be considered significant. It teaches us to recognize the value of small things.
Word Family of 微
Compounds9
薇wei1a kind of fern; Osmunda regalis
霺
嶶
瀓
癓
癥zheng4ailment, disease, illness
矀
藢
覹
Words Containing This Character20
微Wēitiny
微笑wēixiàosmile
稍微shāowēia little bit
轻微qīngwēislight輕微
微微slight
微波炉wēibōlúmicrowave oven微波爐
微软Microsoft corporation微軟
微风breeze微風
微妙wēimiàosubtle
微小infinitesimal
微型wēixíngminiature
微弱wēiruòweak
微不足道wēibùzúdàonegligible
卑微petty and low
微薄scanty
显微镜microscope顯微鏡
细微xìwēitiny細微
微波ripple
微生物microorganism
微粒speck
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 微
What does 薇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 微
Yes, 微 (wēi) is used as a surname in Chinese culture. It can be found among various Chinese families, and like many surnames, it carries its own historical significance.
In ancient Chinese history, 微 (wēi) refers to a state that existed near present-day Chongqing. This historical context adds depth to the character, linking it to China's rich cultural heritage.
微 (wēi) has several meanings in Chinese. It can refer to something small or subtle, and it can also represent profound or abstruse concepts. Additionally, it is used as a surname and historically referred to an ancient Chinese state.
You can use 微 (wēi) in sentences to describe something that is small or subtle. For example, you might say '这句话很微妙' (zhè jù huà hěn wēi miào), which means 'This sentence is very subtle.' It's also important in contexts involving depth or complexity.
In scientific terminology, 微 refers to a micro-scale measurement, indicating one millionth of a unit.
Yes, 微 can describe subtle or profound feelings, often in phrases like 微妙, which conveys complexity in emotions.
Yes, 微 can also be a surname, though it is less common compared to other surnames like Zhang or Li.
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