verb / adjective HSK 5
to wither · to wilt · to droop · listless
Meaning
萎 describes the physical process of plants losing vitality and drooping, or metaphorically refers to people lacking energy or spirit. It captures the image of something once vibrant becoming limp and lifeless.
Usage
Most commonly used in compound words rather than alone. 萎缩 (wěisuō) means to atrophy or shrink, while 枯萎 (kūwěi) specifically means withered or dried up. When describing people, it conveys psychological or physical exhaustion rather than just tiredness.
Examples
- 01这些花因为缺水都枯萎了。.These flowers have all withered due to lack of water.
- 02经济萎缩导致很多公司倒闭。.Economic contraction led to many companies going bankrupt.
Common collocations
- 萎靡不振dispirited, listless
- 枯萎凋零withered and fallen
- 萎缩不前to stagnate and decline
Antonyms
Origin
The character contains the grass radical 艹 on top, indicating its original connection to plant life, with 委 (wěi) providing the phonetic component. The semantic element clearly links it to vegetation and decline.