威 (wēi) - power, authority, might & imposing

威Tone 1

wēi ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

威 · wēi

power, authority, might;

imposing;

dignity;

awe-inspiring;

used in words related to power and influence.

power, authority, mightimposingdignity

Usage highlights

AuthorityPower and prestigeMight and powerDignified and imposingThreaten by powerIntimidate

Synonyms

  • 权— power, authority
  • 力— strength, force
  • 势— influence, momentum

Antonyms

  • 弱— weak, feeble
  • 柔— soft, gentle
  • 卑— humble, lowly

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The government's authority (政府权威) must be respected.
  • He has a dignified and imposing presence (威严的仪态).
  • National prestige (国威) is important in international relations.
  • The tiger is a symbol of might (威猛).

Collocations

  • Authority(权威)
  • Power and prestige(威权)
  • Might and power(威力)
  • Dignified and imposing(威严)
  • Threaten by power(威逼)
  • Intimidate(威慑)

Idioms

  • Relying on power to bully others(仗势欺人 / 狐假虎威)
  • Displaying power and authority(耀武扬威)
  • Using both kindness and severity(恩威并施)
  • Power that shakes the world(威震天下)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, '威' represents legitimate authority and power, often associated with rulers, military leaders, and deities.
  • The character appears in historical texts describing imperial majesty and military prowess.
  • In Confucian thought, '威' is one aspect of proper rulership when balanced with virtue.

FAQ