Definitions
(adjective)
tiny; miniature; slight
(verb)
to decline; diminish
(prefix)
micro
Etymology
Phonosemantic compound. 彳 represents the meaning and 𢼸 represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "go out and hide". The meaning later shifted to "conceal" and "tiny".
About
The character 微 has its origins in early Chinese writing where it conveyed notions of smallness and hiding. In its present structure, it combines the radical 彳, which suggests gradual movement or action, with a right-hand component that historically carried phonetic associations. Etymologically, 微 initially encompassed meanings like "concealed" or "minute", but its semantic focus shifted over time to emphasize "slight", "subtle", or "micro-", as reflected in modern compounds such as 微小 for minute size or 微妙 for delicate distinctions.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他对我微微一笑。
微风吹过湖面。
这里发生了微妙的变化。
信号在这里非常微弱。
她在微博上很受欢迎。
科学家正在研究微观世界。
他的收入微薄，难以养家。
这个方案还需要细微调整。