圍 (wéi) - To surround & to encircle

圍Tone 2

wéi ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

圍 · wéi

To surround;

to encircle;

to enclose;

a siege;

circumference;

perimeter;

used in words related to enclosing or surrounding spaces.

To surroundto encircleto enclose

Usage highlights

To surroundSiegeCircumferenceTo besiegeEnclosureBib

Synonyms

  • 包围— to surround, encircle
  • 环绕— to encircle, surround

Antonyms

  • 解— to untie, release (antonym to besiege/surround)
  • 散— to scatter, disperse

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The army surrounded the city (围城).
  • We sat around the table (围桌而坐).
  • The baby wore a bib (围嘴).
  • They formed a circle around the fire (围火而坐).

Collocations

  • To surround(包围)
  • Siege(围城)
  • Circumference(周围)
  • To besiege(围攻)
  • Enclosure(围栏)
  • Bib(围嘴)

Idioms

  • Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao(围魏救赵)
  • Tightly surrounded(团团围住)
  • Break through a siege(突破重围)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character depicts surrounding or enclosing actions, originally related to military sieges.
  • Used in traditional Chinese games like Go (围棋) where pieces surround territory.
  • Appears in historical contexts describing military tactics and defensive structures.

FAQ