Definitions

wēi to simmer; to roast in ashes

Etymology phono-semantic

fire

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character is a phono-semantic compound: (huǒ, 'fire') on the left serves as the semantic radical, and (wèi, 'fear' or 'respect') on the right as the phonetic. It primarily denotes slow cooking methods, simmering or stewing over low heat, and roasting food in hot ashes. Originating as a culinary term for slow tenderizing, the meaning broadened to keeping things warm, such as a pot of soup or medicinal herbs, by placing them near embers or a low flame.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern