Definition
微 (wēi) is a concise, literary adverb meaning 'slightly' — it indicates a very small degree, used mainly in formal or written language, and it typically modifies a single-syllable verb or adjective (e.g., 微辣, 微笑). Compared to the more common spoken 稍微 (shāo wēi), 微 is more terse and elevated in register; 略微 (lüè wēi) is similar in formality but less common.
adverb
slightlya little bit
Easily confused
- 很hěnlook-alikevery; quite
- 为wéisound-alike(preposition) as; in the capacity of
- 为wéisound-aliketo act as, to serve as (in patterns like 以...为..., 称为, 选为)
- 为wéisound-alike(preposition) as, in the capacity of
- 位wèisound-alike(classifier, polite) for people
- 喂wèisound-alike(interjection) hey! hello? (used to attract attention or answer a phone call)
- 喂wèisound-alike(interjection) hello? (used to answer the phone)
- 未wèisound-alikenot yet; have not; did not (formal/literary negation placed before a verb)
- 唯wéisound-alikeonly, alone
- 味wèisound-aliketaste, flavor
Examples
- ，微。Tā tīng le zhīhòu, wēi gǎn bù hǎoyìsi.After hearing it, he felt a little embarrassed.
- 微，微，？Zhè dào cài wēi là, nǐ hái néng chī ma?This dish is slightly spicy; can you still eat it?
- 微，。Tā wēi tàn le yī kǒu qì, méiyǒu shuōhuà.She gave a slight sigh and didn't speak.
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