wei: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
extremely lowarchaic/specialist/historical
Quick answer
What does “wei” mean?
A unit of weight in China, historically equivalent to a small fraction of a tael.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of weight in China, historically equivalent to a small fraction of a tael.
A rarely used term from Chinese measurement, sometimes encountered in historical or cultural contexts. Can occasionally be used as a transliteration of Chinese surnames or place names.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No discernible difference; the word is equally obscure in both varieties.
Connotations
Historical, technical, exotic.
Frequency
Virtually never used in modern language outside highly specific texts.
Grammar
How to Use “wei” in a Sentence
[Number] + wei + (of + substance)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “wei” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This term is not used as a verb.
American English
- This term is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- This term is not used as an adverb.
American English
- This term is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- This term is not used as an adjective.
American English
- This term is not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, sinological, or numismatic papers.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Possibly in historical metrology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “wei”
- Using it as a general term for weight.
- Capitalising it as if it were a proper noun (unless it's a name).
- Assuming it is a common English word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare loanword with very specific, historical usage.
No, in English it is exclusively a noun referring to a unit of weight.
It is pronounced like the English word 'way' (/weɪ/).
No, it is not necessary for general communication. It is a specialist term for those studying Chinese history or culture.
A unit of weight in China, historically equivalent to a small fraction of a tael.
Wei is usually archaic/specialist/historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not worth a wei (a rare, constructed phrase implying negligible value)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'way' to weigh a tiny 'wei' of gold in ancient China.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MICROSCOPIC AMOUNT IS A WEI.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'wei'?