unknown, 9 strokes, radical 氵, rank #32533, Very Hard
wā(wa1) T1
1pit, hollow, depression; swamp
2sunken
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March 24, 2026
洼(窪)wā(wa1)
The character 洼 (wā) refers to a pit or hollow area, often describing a depression in the ground. It can also denote swamps or low-lying areas where water collects. In various contexts, it conveys a sense of something being sunken or lower than its surroundings.
Strokes9Radical氵Frequency#32533DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of land and its topography is significant for agriculture and urban planning. Areas described as 洼 may also be associated with fertile land due to water accumulation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big, wide pit filled with water, resembling a swamp. The character 洼 looks like a bowl (the top part) that is filled with liquid, reminding you of the pronunciation 'wā' — think of water 'wafting' in a hollow space.
Meanings of 洼
wā(wa1)
1pit, hollow, depression; swamp
2sunken
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 洼
洼Simplified
窪Traditional
9Strokes
氵Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 洼
Podcast: 洼
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AI Study Notes for 洼
Quick Contrast
凹 (āo) - use 洼 (wā) for a specific pit or hollow, while 凹 (āo) is more general for any concave shape.
Usage Notes
This word is typically used in informal contexts to describe physical terrains. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters; the tone is crucial. Common collocations include '洼地' (wā dì - low-lying land) and '洼水' (wā shuǐ - pooling water).
HSK Study Tips
While 洼 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be useful when discussing landscapes or geographical features. Students should focus on the tone and context when using it in sentences about terrain.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 洼 with similar characters such as 窪 (wā). A common mistake is saying '我看到一个窪' (Wǒ kàn dào yīgè wā) instead of '我看到一个洼' (Wǒ kàn dào yīgè wā) when referring to a swampy area.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 洼
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Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 圭 represents the sound. Simplified form of 窪.
1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
2The sound half圭 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywater
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 洼? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 洼?
Decomposition of 洼
IDS Structure⿰氵圭
洼Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
圭gui1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 洼?
How to say pit, hollow, depression; swamp in Chinese
“pit, hollow, depression; swamp” in Chinese is洼wā
The character 洼 (wā) refers to a pit or hollow area, often describing a depression in the ground. It can also denote swamps or low-lying areas where water collects. In various contexts, it conveys a sense of something being sunken or lower than its surroundings.
When to use 洼
This word is typically used in informal contexts to describe physical terrains. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters; the tone is crucial. Common collocations include '洼地' (wā dì - low-lying land) and '洼水' (wā shuǐ - pooling water).
洼 or something close to it
凹 (āo) - use 洼 (wā) for a specific pit or hollow, while 凹 (āo) is more general for any concave shape.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 洼 with similar characters such as 窪 (wā). A common mistake is saying '我看到一个窪' (Wǒ kàn dào yīgè wā) instead of '我看到一个洼' (Wǒ kàn dào yīgè wā) when referring to a swampy area.
Write 洼
洼
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Practice writing 洼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 洼
洼 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
狗喜欢在泥水____里扑腾，河马则喜欢在其中打滚撒欢儿。
Dogs love splashing in mud and hippos wallow in it.
