威武 (wēi wǔ) — mighty, imposing, awe-inspiring (of appearance or bearing)

Definition

Describes a powerful, imposing presence or bearing — usually of people, soldiers, or animals in a heroic pose. Carries a heroic, martial tone, stronger and more dramatic than 雄伟 (grand scenery/structures).

adjective
mightyimposingawe-inspiring (of appearance or bearing)

Examples

  • 威武。
    Zhè xiē shì bīng kàn qǐ lái fēi cháng wēi wǔ.
    These soldiers look very imposing.
  • 威武。
    Shī zi shì wēi wǔ de dòng wù.
    The lion is a majestic animal.
  • ，威武。
    Tā chuān zhuó jūn zhuāng, xiǎn de hěn wēi wǔ.
    He looks very dignified in his military uniform.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

威wēiawe
武wǔmartial force

“威” brings awe and “武” brings martial force, together describing imposing strength.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

威 is made by combining 戌 and 女.

Open 威 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

武 puts 戈 (dagger-axe) above 止 (foot/to walk), showing an army going on an expedition.

Open 武 →

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