small, tiny, trifling

JLPT N1 13 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (wēi) primarily means 'small,' 'tiny,' or 'slight.' It is often used to describe something that is barely perceptible or very subtle, such as a faint sound, a slight smile, or a minimal difference.

Common Collocations

  • 微笑 (wēixiào): slight smile, used to express friendliness or politeness.
  • 微弱 (wēiruò): weak or faint, often describing sound, light, or signals.
  • 微小 (wēixiǎo): very small or tiny, used for quantities or differences.

Usage Notes

When using , the emphasis is on subtlety or minimal degree. It often appears in contexts where something is just noticeable or barely there. It is more formal or literary compared to colloquial words for 'small.'

Common Confusion

Do not confuse with (xiǎo), which means 'small' in a more general and concrete sense. emphasizes subtlety or slightness rather than size alone.

Example Sentences

His voice is very faint, almost inaudible.

A slight smile is a way to express friendliness.

He missed passing the exam by only a tiny margin.