葳
tiny; slight; to decline; micro-
Meanings
6 senses · 18 examplesadjective
tiny; minute; slight; subtle
Describes physical size, amount, or degree. Commonly appears in compounds describing gentle natural phenomena or small quantities.
A gentle breeze blew over the lake surface, creating layer upon layer of ripples.
She nodded at me with a smile.
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You can only observe these microorganisms under a microscope.
There is only a subtle difference between these two colors.
verb
to decline; to wane; to decay
literaryPrimarily used in literary or classical contexts, often in compounds like 衰微 (shuāi wēi) or 式微 (shì wēi).
Once the Zhou house had declined, the feudal lords rose up together.
The family fortune gradually declined, forcing them to sell their land to make ends meet.
adjective
profound; subtle; esoteric; abstruse
Describes nuanced meanings, relationships, or theories that are difficult to grasp. Common in phrases like 微妙 (wēi miào) and 微言大义 (wēi yán dà yì).
The relationship between the two countries is in a delicate phase.
Confucius wrote the Spring and Autumn Annals, containing profound truths in subtle words, editing with great care.
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The subtleties within are not something outsiders can appreciate.
adverb
slightly; a little; somewhat; rather
Indicates a small degree or amount. Often used in formal or literary contexts, appearing as 微有 or 微感.
Feeling slightly unwell, he left the meeting early.
As dawn was just breaking, he set off on his journey.
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Prices rose slightly, and consumers reacted calmly.
prefix
micro- (10^-6); one millionth
technicalUsed as a prefix in scientific and technical terminology to denote 10^-6 units. Forms words like 微米 (micrometer) and 微秒 (microsecond).
This microscope can observe structures at the micrometer level.
The processor's computing speed is on the microsecond level.
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Micrograms are a common unit for drug dosage.
Microorganisms play important roles in ecosystems.
proper noun
Wei (surname)
nameA rare Chinese surname. Also appears in the compound surname 微生 (Weisheng).
Wei Ziqi was the elder half-brother of King Zhou of Shang.
During the Spring and Autumn period, there were Weisheng Gao and Weisheng Mu.