wèi: 位 - Position, Place, Seat, a Measure Word for People
Quick Summary
Keywords: 位, wèi, Chinese measure word, polite measure word, position in Chinese, Chinese character for place, Chinese character for seat, what does wei mean, HSK 2, 一位老师, 座位, 地位, Chinese grammar, learning Chinese
Summary: Discover the versatile Chinese character 位 (wèi), a fundamental term for any learner. This page breaks down its core meanings of “position,” “place,” and “seat,” and explains its crucial role as a polite measure word for people. Learn the cultural significance of showing respect with 位 (wèi) instead of the common 个 (gè), and master its use in contexts from ordering in a restaurant to discussing job positions and social status. This is your comprehensive guide to using 位 (wèi) accurately and respectfully in modern Chinese.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): wèi
Part of Speech: Noun, Measure Word
HSK Level: HSK 2
Concise Definition: “位” (wèi) primarily means position, location, or seat, and serves as a formal and polite measure word for people.
In a Nutshell: Think of 位 (wèi) as a word that defines “a spot” or “a place.” As a noun, it can be a physical spot like a `座位` (zuòwèi, a seat), a numerical spot like the tens `位` (wèi, place) in “12”, or an abstract spot like one's `地位` (dìwèi, social status). As a measure word, it “places” a person on a pedestal of respect. You use it for people you wish to honor, like teachers, doctors, customers, or elders, making it more polite than the general measure word `个` (gè).
Character Breakdown
位 (wèi) is a logical combination of two simple components:
亻(rén): The “person” radical, which is a compressed form of 人 (rén). Its presence signals that the character is related to people or human actions.
立 (lì): This character means “to stand” or “to establish.”
The characters combine to form a vivid picture: a person (亻) standing (立) in their proper place. This beautifully illustrates the core meaning of “position,” “status,” and “a designated spot,” which extends to its use as a respectful counter for individuals who hold a certain standing.
Cultural Context and Significance
The most important cultural aspect of 位 (wèi) lies in its use as a measure word. In English, we say “one person” or “one teacher” without any inherent level of politeness in the quantifier. In Chinese, the choice of measure word can reflect deep-seated cultural values.
Comparison to Western Culture: Choosing between 一位老师 (yí wèi lǎoshī) and 一个老师 (yí ge lǎoshī) is similar to the difference between addressing someone as “Mr. Smith” versus “John.” Using 位 (wèi) is the linguistic equivalent of showing deference and respect. It acknowledges the other person's status, profession, or role as a guest.
This ties into the broader cultural value of `尊敬` (zūnjìng, respect), particularly for elders, teachers, and professionals. Failing to use 位 (wèi) in a formal setting (e.g., a business meeting or a restaurant) can be seen as slightly rustic or lacking in refinement, even if it's not a grave offense. It's a small detail that demonstrates cultural fluency.
Practical Usage in Modern China
位 (wèi) is extremely common in daily life. Here’s how you'll encounter it:
As a Polite Measure Word (for People): This is its most frequent use for beginners. It's used to count people you respect.
In restaurants: “请问，几位?” (Qǐngwèn, jǐ wèi?) - “Excuse me, how many people (in your party)?”
For professionals: 一位医生 (yí wèi yīshēng) - a doctor; 两位老师 (liǎng wèi lǎoshī) - two teachers.
For customers or guests: 三位客人 (sān wèi kèrén) - three guests.
As a Noun (Position, Place, Seat): It often combines with other characters.
`座位` (zuòwèi): A seat (e.g., on a train, in a cinema).
`位` (wèi): A “bit” in computing (e.g., 32位操作系统 - 32-bit operating system).
Example Sentences
Example 1:
服务员：请问，您几位？
Pinyin: Fúwùyuán: Qǐngwèn, nín jǐ wèi?
English: Waiter: Excuse me, how many people are in your party?
Analysis: This is a standard, polite phrase used in every Chinese restaurant. The waiter uses `您` (nín, polite you) and `位` to show respect to the customers.
English: Let me introduce you. This is our new boss, Mr. Wang.
Analysis: When formally introducing someone, especially a superior, `位` is the correct and respectful choice. Using `这个是…` (zhè ge shì…) would be far too casual and inappropriate.
Example 3:
对不起，这个座位有人了。
Pinyin: Duìbuqǐ, zhège zuòwèi yǒurén le.
English: Sorry, this seat is taken.
Analysis: Here, `位` is part of the noun `座位` (zuòwèi), meaning “seat.” This is a very practical sentence for public transport or libraries.
Example 4:
他在公司里有一个很重要的职位。
Pinyin: Tā zài gōngsī lǐ yǒu yí ge hěn zhòngyào de zhíwèi.
English: He has a very important position in the company.
Analysis: The noun `职位` (zhíwèi) specifically refers to a professional post or job position.
Example 5:
钱不应该影响一个人的社会地位。
Pinyin: Qián bù yīnggāi yǐngxiǎng yí ge rén de shèhuì dìwèi.
English: Money should not affect a person's social status.
Analysis: `地位` (dìwèi) refers to one's abstract “position” or “status” in society.
English: I would like to apply for the position of Marketing Manager at your esteemed company.
Analysis: A formal and practical sentence for a job application, using `职位` (zhíwèi) for “position.”
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`位` (wèi) vs. `个` (gè): The Politeness Rule: This is the most common point of confusion.
Use `位` (wèi): For people you don't know, customers, guests, or people in respected professions (teachers, doctors, bosses, elders). It's for formal, polite, or professional situations.
Use `个` (gè): For friends, family, children, or in very casual, informal speech. It's the neutral, all-purpose default. Using `位` for your little brother or best friend would sound strange and overly formal.
Reason: This sounds unnaturally stiff and distant. You are implying a formal distance from people you are calling “good friends.”
Correct: 我有两个好朋友。(Wǒ yǒu liǎng ge hǎo péngyou.)
Don't use `位` for objects: `位` as a measure word is exclusively for people. You cannot say “一位桌子” (yí wèi zhuōzi). You must use the correct measure word, `一张桌子` (yì zhāng zhuōzi).
Related Terms and Concepts
个 (gè) - The default, neutral measure word for people and many objects. It's the informal counterpart to `位`.
座位 (zuòwèi) - A compound word for “seat,” as on a plane or in a theater. Literally “sit position.”
地位 (dìwèi) - Social status or standing. An abstract and important concept related to one's “position” in society.
职位 (zhíwèi) - A job position, post, or office. Refers to a professional role.
位置 (wèizhì) - A physical location, position, or spot. More general than `座位`.
单位 (dānwèi) - A “work unit.” A very important concept in China, referring to one's workplace or employer.
口 (kǒu) - Another measure word for people, but used specifically for counting the number of mouths to feed in a family (e.g., 我家有三口人 - Wǒ jiā yǒu sān kǒu rén).
尊敬 (zūnjìng) - The verb “to respect.” This is the core feeling you communicate when you choose to use `位`.