猬 (wèi) - hedgehog — a small insectivorous mammal with a & by extension, something prickly or difficult to handle.

猬Tone 4

wèi ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

猬 · wèi

hedgehog — a small insectivorous mammal with a spiny coat, known for rolling into a ball for defense;

by extension, something prickly or difficult to handle.

hedgehog — a small insectivorous mammal with aby extension, something prickly or difficult to handle.

Usage highlights

hedgehoghedgehog cactushedgehog defensehedgehog concepthedgehog syndromesea urchin

Synonyms

  • 刺猬— hedgehog (full common name)
  • 豪猪— porcupine (larger spiny animal)

Antonyms

  • 柔— soft, gentle (opposite of prickly)
  • 顺— smooth, compliant (opposite of defensive)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The hedgehog (刺猬) is a nocturnal animal.
  • He was as prickly as a hedgehog (像刺猬一样).
  • The hedgehog rolled into a ball (刺猬缩成一团).
  • Hedgehog cactus (猬仙人掌) is a type of cactus.

Collocations

  • hedgehog(刺猬)
  • hedgehog cactus(猬仙人掌)
  • hedgehog-like(猬状的)
  • hedgehog defense(猬式防御)
  • hedgehog concept(刺猬理念)
  • hedgehog syndrome(刺猬综合征)

Idioms

  • Like a hedgehog rolling into a ball(猬缩)
  • Hedgehog's bristles gathered together(猬集)
  • Hedgehog rises(猬起)
  • Hedgehog's hesitation(猬疑)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the hedgehog symbolizes defensiveness and prickliness due to its spiny exterior.
  • The character appears in classical texts describing military formations where soldiers stand close together like hedgehog spines.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, hedgehog skin was sometimes used as an ingredient.

FAQ