Definitions

wěi (adjective) great; mighty

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "伟" originates from its traditional form "偉", which combines the human radical "亻" with the component "韋", a phonetic element that also carried associations of durability due to its link to leather. Initially conveying notions of physical grandeur or unusual size, the character's application gradually expanded to underscore moral and intellectual excellence, solidifying its core meaning of "great" or "impressive". The simplified form "伟" retains the human radical but substitutes "韋" with "韦", a modified phonetic component that streamlines the character while maintaining its sound. This evolution reflects a semantic shift from emphasizing outward stature to valuing inner qualities, with the character remaining central in compounds that express admiration for human virtues and notable deeds.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他是一个大的人。

Tā shì yīgè wěidà de rén.

He is a great person.

大的祖国万岁。

Wěidà de zǔguó wànsuì.

Long live the great motherland.

这座建筑很雄

Zhè zuò jiànzhù hěn xióngwěi.

This building is very majestic.

他的成就非常大。

Tā de chéngjiù fēicháng wěidà.

His achievements are very great.

人常常有远见。

Wěirén chángcháng yǒu yuǎnjiàn.

Great people often have foresight.

业需要大家共同努力。

Wěiyè xūyào dàjiā gòngtóng nǔlì.

Great achievements require everyone's joint efforts.

这项工程规模宏

Zhè xiàng gōngchéng guīmó hóngwěi.

This project has a grand scale.

在历史的长河中,人的贡献不可磨灭。

Zài lìshǐ de chánghé zhōng, wěirén de gòngxiàn bùkě mómiè.

In the long river of history, the contributions of great people are indelible.