Definitions

(noun) nest; den; lair
(noun) pit or hollow on the body
(verb) to shelter; to harbor
(verb) to bend; to curl up

Etymology phono-semantic

cave

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "窝" is derived from its traditional form "窩", which integrates the radical "穴" denoting a cave or hollow space with the phonetic component "咼" that was later simplified to "呙" for sound indication. Its original meaning centered on the nest or den of an animal, specifically a sheltered cavity in nature. The semantic scope gradually extended to include human dwellings, often conveying a sense of a small or informal home, and further evolved to describe figurative places such as a hideout or a central location for group activities. The character's structure consistently reflects the concept of an enclosed space through the enduring presence of the "穴" radical.

Example Sentences Hide

小鸟在里睡觉。

Xiǎo niǎo zài wō lǐ shuìjiào.

The little bird is sleeping in the nest.

我躺在被里。

Wǒ tǎng zài bèiwō lǐ.

I am lying in the bedding.

很温暖。

Gǒu wō hěn wēnnuǎn.

The dog's den is very warm.

在沙发里。

Tā wō zài shāfā lǐ.

He is curled up on the sofa.

藏了罪犯。

Tā wōcáng le zuìfàn.

He harbored a criminal.

这个鸟筑在树上。

Zhège niǎo wō zhù zài shù shàng.

This bird's nest is built on the tree.

冬天里,被是最舒服的地方。

Dōngtiān lǐ, bèiwō shì zuì shūfu de dìfāng.

In winter, the bedding is the most comfortable place.

他心里着一团火。

Tā xīnli wō zhe yī tuán huǒ.

He harbors a fire of anger in his heart.