Definition
舞 (wǔ) has two key uses: (noun) 'dance' as an art form or specific dance (芭蕾舞 'ballet'), more formal/refined than 舞蹈; (verb) 'to dance' only in literary or fixed expressions (舞剑 'sword dance'), unlike everyday 跳舞. A second verb sense is 'to brandish' gracefully (舞刀弄枪), contrasting with general 挥/挥舞 or colloquial 抡.
noun
dance (as an art form or specific dance)
verb
to dance (often in literary or fixed expressions)to wieldbrandish (e.g. a sword)
Easily confused
- 无wúsound-aliketo not have, to lack
- 五wǔsound-alikefive
- 雾wùsound-alikefog, mist
- 误wùsound-aliketo mistake (in understanding or action); to mis-
- 勿wùsound-alikedo not (formal, literary, used in signs and written prohibitions)
- 捂wǔsound-aliketo cover (with the hand), e.g., eyes, ears, or mouth
Examples
- 。Tā xǐhuan zài yīnyuè zhōng zìyóu de tiào wǔ.She likes to dance freely in the music.
- 舞。Tā wǔ zhe jiàn zài tái shàng biǎoyǎn.He performs on stage wielding a sword.
- 舞。Zhè duàn wǔ róng hé le gǔdiǎn hé xiàndài fēnggé.This dance piece blends classical and modern styles.
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