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瓦 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
瓦
wǎ
roof tile
HSK 7, nr, 4 strokes, radical 瓦, rank #3904, Very Hard
瓦
wǎ
tile; pottery, earthenware
HSK 7, nr, 4 strokes, radical 瓦, rank #3904, Very Hard
瓦
wǎ
abbr. for 瓦特[wǎ tè], watt (loan)
HSK 7, nr, 4 strokes, radical 瓦, rank #3904, Very Hard
瓦
wǎ
abbr. for 瓦特[wa3 te4], watt (loan)
HSK 7, unknown, 4 strokes, radical 瓦, rank #3904, Very Hard
wǎ(wa3)wa T3
1roof tile
2tile; pottery, earthenware
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March 24, 2026
瓦wǎ(wa3)
The character 瓦 (wǎ) primarily means 'roof tile' and is often used in contexts related to construction and architecture. It can also refer to pottery or earthenware. Additionally, it serves as an abbreviation for 'watt' (瓦特), a unit of power, particularly in technical or scientific discussions.
Strokes4Radical瓦Frequency#3904DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In traditional Chinese architecture, roof tiles (瓦) are not only functional but also hold cultural significance, symbolizing stability and protection. The style and color of tiles can reflect the historical period and regional variations in architecture.
Memory tip
Imagine a roof made of tiles (瓦) that are bright and shiny like pottery. The shape of the character resembles a roof structure, with the top part representing the peak of the roof. Visualize a bright sun shining down on these tiles, reminding you of the pronunciation 'wǎ' as you think of the warmth they provide.
Meanings of 瓦
wǎ(wa3)
1roof tile
2tile; pottery, earthenware
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 瓦 means.
About 瓦
瓦Simplified
4Strokes
瓦Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#3904Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 瓦
Podcast: 瓦
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AI study notes for 瓦
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 瓦 is mostly used in specific contexts related to construction or when discussing measurements in science. A common mistake is using it in informal contexts without the proper technical background; it’s considered more formal when referring to measurements. Ensure that you use the correct tone, as using a different tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 瓦 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects with other construction-related terms in HSK levels 1-4. Students should focus on recognizing how it is used in compound words and phrases, such as 瓦房 (tile-roofed house) or 瓦片 (tile piece), to enhance their vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 瓦 with similar-looking characters like 瓦 (tile) and 碗 (bowl), leading to mispronunciation or incorrect usage. For example, saying '我喜欢瓦' (I like tiles) in a casual setting might sound awkward; it’s better used in specific discussions about roofing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瓦
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Knowing 瓦 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.
The character 瓦 (wǎ) primarily means 'roof tile' and is often used in contexts related to construction and architecture. It can also refer to pottery or earthenware. Additionally, it serves as an abbreviation for 'watt' (瓦特), a unit of power, particularly in technical or scientific discussions.
When to use 瓦
Be mindful that 瓦 is mostly used in specific contexts related to construction or when discussing measurements in science. A common mistake is using it in informal contexts without the proper technical background; it’s considered more formal when referring to measurements. Ensure that you use the correct tone, as using a different tone can change the meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 瓦 with similar-looking characters like 瓦 (tile) and 碗 (bowl), leading to mispronunciation or incorrect usage. For example, saying '我喜欢瓦' (I like tiles) in a casual setting might sound awkward; it’s better used in specific discussions about roofing.
Write 瓦
瓦
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Practice writing 瓦 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 瓦
瓦 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 4 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.
卡____佐斯先生的问题是他不了解最新形势。
Mr Cavazos' problem was that he was out of touch.
Example sentences for 瓦 (10)
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1
卡瓦佐斯先生的问题是他不了解最新形势。
kǎ wǎ zuǒ Sī xiānsheng de wèntí shì tā bù liǎojiě zuì xīn xíngshì。
