为

為/爲
wéi, wèi
HSK 2.0Level 3
HSK 3.0Level 3

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 為. Pictograph of a hand (又) guiding an elephant (象) 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 originated as a pictograph of a hand (又) guiding an elephant (象), reflecting the use of tame elephants for heavy labor in ancient China. Over time, its meaning broadened to the general verbs "to do", "to act", and "to serve as" (pronounced wéi). The simplified character 为 is a drastic reduction derived from cursive calligraphy, consisting of the "power" component (力) with two dots on either side. When pronounced wèi, it functions as a preposition meaning "for", "for the sake of", or "because of", introducing the beneficiary or cause of an action.

Example Sentences Hide

我为你高兴。

Wǒ wèi nǐ gāoxìng.

I am happy for you.

你为什么不来？

Nǐ wèishénme bù lái?

Why don't you come?

他成为医生了。

Tā chéngwéi yīshēng le.

He became a doctor.

我认为这是对的。

Wǒ rènwéi zhè shì duì de.

I think this is correct.

他的行为很勇敢。

Tā de xíngwéi hěn yǒnggǎn.

His behavior is very brave.

这本书是为孩子写的。

Zhè běn shū shì wèi háizi xiě de.

This book is written for children.

我们为了学习而努力。

Wǒmen wèile xuéxí ér nǔlì.

We work hard for studying.

政府为人民服务。

Zhèngfǔ wèi rénmín fúwù.

The government serves the people.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

伪 妫 沩 㧑

Component: 为

伪 妫 沩 㧑

Example Words

以为 因为 成为 为了 为什么 不为人知 人为 作为 分为 改为 更为 最为 为主 为何 为啥 为止 为难 无能为力 称为 华为 行为 认为 身为 一分为二