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螉 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
螉wēngwaspx, 16 strokes, radical 虫
wēng(weng1) T1
  1. 1wasp
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

螉wēng(weng1)

The character 螉 (wēng) refers specifically to a type of wasp. It is often used in biological contexts to describe this insect, which plays a role in ecosystems as both predator and pollinator. Understanding this character can also enhance vocabulary related to nature and entomology in Chinese.

Strokes16Radical虫
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, wasps are often viewed with a mix of fear and respect due to their sting, but they are also appreciated for their role in controlling pest populations. This duality reflects broader themes in nature conservation and harmony in Chinese philosophy.

Memory Tip

Think of 螉 as a 'winged' creature; its top part resembles a wing with the radical 虫 (insect) indicating it's an insect. The sound 'wēng' can be associated with the buzzing sound a wasp makes, making it easier to remember both the pronunciation and meaning.

Meanings of 螉

wēng(weng1)
1wasp
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 螉

螉Simplified
16Strokes
虫Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 螉

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Podcast: 螉

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AI Study Notes for 螉

Usage Notes

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation, making it more suitable for academic or scientific discussions. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar insect-related characters, as context is key. Additionally, ensure correct pronunciation with the appropriate tone, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 螉 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it shares thematic links with other HSK words related to animals and nature. Focus on the radicals and pronunciation as you encounter more complex characters within the HSK framework.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 螉 with characters like 蜂 or 虫, which refer to bees and insects in general. To avoid mistakes, pay attention to the specific context in which each character is used.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 螉

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Etymology of 螉

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

insect

Semantic (meaning)虫
+
Phonetic (sound)翁
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 螉

  1. 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half翁 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayinsect
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 螉? 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 螉?

Decomposition of 螉

IDS Structure⿰虫翁
螉Full Character
=
虫chong2
left
翁Weng1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 螉?

How to say wasp in Chinese

“wasp” in Chinese is螉wēng

The character 螉 (wēng) refers specifically to a type of wasp. It is often used in biological contexts to describe this insect, which plays a role in ecosystems as both predator and pollinator. Understanding this character can also enhance vocabulary related to nature and entomology in Chinese.

When to use 螉

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation, making it more suitable for academic or scientific discussions. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar insect-related characters, as context is key. Additionally, ensure correct pronunciation with the appropriate tone, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 螉 with characters like 蜂 or 虫, which refer to bees and insects in general. To avoid mistakes, pay attention to the specific context in which each character is used.

Write 螉

螉

Practice writing 螉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Frequently Asked Questions about 螉

The character 螉 is pronounced as 'wēng', with a rising tone.

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