Meanings of 蜗
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蜗
Podcast: 蜗
Podcast: 蜗
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 蜗
Be careful with the pronunciation, particularly the tone. In Mandarin, 蜗 is pronounced with a first tone (wō), but in Taiwan, it can sometimes be pronounced with a different tone (gua1). It is often used in combination with other words, such as 蜗牛 (wō niú) for 'snail'.
While not part of the official HSK vocabulary, 蜗 can enhance your understanding of animal-related terms. Focus on the association of this character with the insect radical and practice combining it with other characters related to animals or nature.
Learners often confuse 蜗 (wō) with similar characters due to the tone, mistakenly saying 'guō' instead of 'wō'. Additionally, some might incorrectly use it in less common collocations, such as trying to pair it with unrelated animals.
Pronunciation of 蜗
Drill the tone of 蜗 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 蜗
mollusk
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 蜗
- 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half呙 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymollusk
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 蜗? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 蜗?
Decomposition of 蜗
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 蜗?
How to say snail; Eulota callizoma in Chinese
“snail; Eulota callizoma” in Chinese is蜗
The character 蜗 (wō) refers to a snail, a small mollusk known for its coiled shell and slow movement. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, often symbolizing slowness or the idea of retreating into one's shell for protection. In Taiwan, it may also refer to a specific type of snail.
When to use 蜗
Be careful with the pronunciation, particularly the tone. In Mandarin, 蜗 is pronounced with a first tone (wō), but in Taiwan, it can sometimes be pronounced with a different tone (gua1). It is often used in combination with other words, such as 蜗牛 (wō niú) for 'snail'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 蜗 (wō) with similar characters due to the tone, mistakenly saying 'guō' instead of 'wō'. Additionally, some might incorrectly use it in less common collocations, such as trying to pair it with unrelated animals.
Write 蜗
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 蜗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 蜗
蜗 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
火车这会儿走得跟____牛一样慢。
The train was moving now at a snail's pace.
Example Sentences for 蜗 (2)
Word Family of 蜗
Compound Meaning
What does 蜗牛 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蜗
Primarily, yes, 蜗 describes snails, but it can also be used metaphorically to refer to slowness in general.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 蜗?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.