娓

wěi

女 + 尾

Definitions

wěi used in 娓娓[wěi wěi]

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 女 represents the meaning and 尾 represents the sound.

Semantic: 女 Phonetic: 尾

About

The character 娓 is a phonosemantic compound: the radical 女 (woman) hints at the meaning, while 尾 (wěi) indicates the sound. In modern Chinese, 娓 is seldom used independently; it almost exclusively appears in the reduplicated form 娓娓. This compound functions as an adjective or adverb describing a manner of speaking or storytelling that is continuous, engaging, and tireless. It evokes a pleasant, flowing conversational tone, often applied to someone who speaks eloquently, persistently, and with a rhythm that captivates listeners over a long stretch. Thus, the character conveys the auditory and atmospheric qualities of a compelling narrative or a soothing dialogue.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

她娓娓道来整个故事。

Tā wěiwěi dàolái zhěnggè gùshì.

She narrated the entire story in a gentle and detailed manner.

主持人娓娓动听地讲述着历史。

Zhǔchírén wěiwěi dòngtīng de jiǎngshù zhe lìshǐ.

The host was narrating history in a fascinating and pleasant way.

她总能将琐事娓娓而谈。

Tā zǒng néng jiāng suǒshì wěiwěi ér tán.

She can always talk about trivial matters in a sustained and interesting manner.

老人对着孩子们娓娓叙说往事。

Lǎorén duìzhe háizimen wěiwěi xùshuō wǎngshì.

The old man recounted past events to the children in a gentle, continuous manner.

他以一种平和而娓娓的语调进行解释。

Tā yǐ yī zhǒng pínghé ér wěiwěi de yǔdiào jìnxíng jiěshì.

He explained in a calm and娓娓 (gentle, detailed) tone.

她娓娓不绝的描述让所有人都沉浸其中。

Tā wěiwěi bù jué de miáoshù ràng suǒyǒu rén dōu chénjìn qí zhōng.

Her娓娓不绝 (unceasing and pleasant) description immersed everyone in it.

在这篇散文中，作者的叙述如家常般娓娓亲切。

Zài zhè piān sǎnwén zhōng, zuòzhě de xùshù rú jiācháng bān wěiwěi qīnqiè.

In this essay, the author's narration is as娓娓亲切 (gentle and intimate) as casual family talk.

他调整了讲述方式，语气变得更加委婉而娓娓动人。

Tā tiáozhěng le jiǎngshù fāngshì, yǔqì biàn dé gèng jiā wěiwǎn ér wěiwěi dòngrén.

He adjusted his way of telling, and his tone became more tactful and娓娓动人 (pleasing and moving).

Related Characters

Component: 女

Component: 尾

娓