Definitions

wěi (reddish jade); precious; rare

Etymology phono-semantic

jade

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 玮, originating from the traditional form 瑋, is structurally composed of the jade radical 王 alongside the component 韦, which is the simplified version of 韋. Etymologically, 瑋 initially designated a specific type of jade or precious stone in early Chinese texts, and over time its semantic range widened to encompass anything regarded as precious or of great worth. This broadened meaning led to its habitual use in personal names to convey notions of value and elegance, while the persistent jade radical in its formation maintains a connection to its original material association.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern