How to Write 维 (wéi) — Meaning “to maintain; dimension”

Imagine a bird (隹) caught in a silk thread (纟) — you must maintain or repair the thread to free it. This visual connects the character to its common meanings like "maintain" and "repair." Another trick: think of "维" as the first part of "维生素" (vitamin), which helps maintain your health.

Start with the left radical 纟: write the two diagonal folds (撇折) then a rising stroke (提) — keep it narrow. The right side 隹 has many horizontal strokes: after the left-falling dot, write three even, parallel short horizontals, then a vertical and a final bottom horizontal. A common mistake is making the right side too wide or spacing the horizontal strokes unevenly.

维 (wéi) uses 隹 on the right and means "to maintain" or "dimension." 绑 (bǎng) uses 邦 on the right and specifically means "to tie" or "bind," like tying a rope. 绒 (róng) uses 戎 on the right and means "velvet" or "fine cloth." Visually, the right parts are completely different, and each character has distinct uses.

维 appears in everyday words like 维护 (wéi hù, to maintain/safeguard), 维修 (wéi xiū, to repair), and 维生素 (wéi shēng sù, vitamin). It is also used in math and science for "dimension" (维度 wéi dù). Culturally, 维生素 is a phonetic translation of "vitamin," and 维护 is often used in contexts like "维护和平" (maintain peace).

Common words containing 维 include: 维护 (wéi hù) — to maintain; to safeguard; 维修 (wéi xiū) — to repair; maintenance; 维生素 (wéi shēng sù) — vitamin.