慰 (wèi) - to comfort & to console

慰Tone 4

wèi ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

慰 · wèi

to comfort;

to console;

to soothe;

to reassure;

to be relieved.

to comfortto consoleto soothe

Usage highlights

to comfortto consoleto be gratified/relievedcomfort and encouragementsolace and supportcomforting words

Synonyms

  • 安— to pacify; to calm
  • 抚— to soothe; to comfort

Antonyms

  • 扰— to disturb; to harass
  • 烦— to annoy; to vex

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The mother comforted her crying child (安慰孩子).
  • I feel relieved after hearing the good news (感到欣慰).
  • The government provided aid to console the victims (慰问灾民).
  • He sought comfort in his friend's words (从朋友的话中得到慰藉).

Collocations

  • to comfort(安慰)
  • to console(慰问)
  • to be gratified/relieved(欣慰)
  • comfort and encouragement(慰勉)
  • solace and support(慰藉)
  • comforting words(慰语)

Idioms

  • To barely comfort oneself(聊以自慰)
  • Difficult to find words of comfort(慰情胜无)
  • To offer poor entertainment to one's guests(聊表慰意)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 慰 reflects the cultural importance of emotional support and consolation within interpersonal relationships.
  • It often appears in formal contexts related to expressing sympathy, such as offering condolences (慰问) or providing reassurance.
  • The concept of self-comfort (自慰) is also significant, though in modern usage this term has acquired a more specific, sexual connotation.

FAQ