Definitions

wéi (verb) to be; to act as; to serve as
wéi (verb) to do; to make
wèi (particle) for; because of

Etymology

Simplified form of . Pictograph of a hand () guiding an elephant () to do work (in ancient China elephants were tamed to do work). Based on the meaning "to work; to do".

About

The traditional character 為 began as a pictograph of a hand guiding an elephant, reflecting the historical use of elephants for labor. This image abstracted into the general verbs "to do", "to act", or "to serve as", pronounced wéi. The simplified form 为, derived from cursive script, reduces the structure to the "power" component 力 surrounded by dots. When pronounced wèi, it functions as a preposition meaning "for" or "because of", indicating the beneficiary or cause of an action.

Example Sentences Hide

你高兴。

Wǒ wèi nǐ gāoxìng.

I am happy for you.

什么不来?

Nǐ wèishénme bù lái?

Why don't you come?

他成医生了。

Tā chéngwéi yīshēng le.

He became a doctor.

我认这是对的。

Wǒ rènwéi zhè shì duì de.

I think this is correct.

他的行很勇敢。

Tā de xíngwéi hěn yǒnggǎn.

His behavior is very brave.

这本书是孩子写的。

Zhè běn shū shì wèi háizi xiě de.

This book is written for children.

我们了学习而努力。

Wǒmen wèile xuéxí ér nǔlì.

We work hard for studying.

政府人民服务。

Zhèngfǔ wèi rénmín fúwù.

The government serves the people.