围 (wéi) - to surround & to encircle

围Tone 2

wéi ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 囗

万响

围 · wéi

to surround;

to encircle;

to besiege;

enclosure;

perimeter;

circumference

to surroundto encircleto besiege

Usage highlights

to surroundbesieged cityscarfto sit in a circlefence/enclosurebesiege

Synonyms

  • 包围— to surround, encircle
  • 环绕— to encircle, surround
  • 圈— circle, ring

Antonyms

  • 解— to untie, release
  • 散— to scatter, disperse
  • 突围— to break out of encirclement

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The army surrounded the city (围城).
  • We formed a circle around the campfire (围坐).
  • The besieged castle finally surrendered (被围的).
  • The scarf wrapped around her neck (围巾).

Collocations

  • to surround(包围)
  • besieged city(围城)
  • scarf(围巾)
  • to sit in a circle(围坐)
  • fence/enclosure(围墙)
  • besiege(围攻)

Idioms

  • Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao(围魏救赵)
  • Form a tight encirclement(团团围住)
  • Break through the encirclement(突破重围)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character depicts an enclosure (囗) surrounding something, representing containment and protection.
  • Historically used in military contexts for siege warfare and strategic encirclement.
  • Common in traditional Chinese architecture referring to enclosed courtyards and walls.

FAQ