HSK · Level 24
135 words
Chinese word
窝
Pronunciation
Pinyinwō
Meaning
- nounden
Example
窝里躲着一只小猫。wō lǐ duǒ zhe yì zhī xiǎo māo
A kitten is hiding inside the den.
More examples
那只鸟在树上搭了一个窝。nà zhǐ niǎo zài shù shàng dā le yí gè wō
That bird built a nest in the tree.
Core concept
A snug pocket of space that serves as shelter and a private base.
Common phrases
鸟窝niǎo wō
bird's nest
犯罪窝点fàn zuì wō diǎn
criminal hideout
Similar words
巢cháo: A nest made from branches or grass as a sheltered home for birds or other animals.
洞dòng: A hollow space inside or beneath the ground or rock.
穴xué: An opening, hollow, or depression in an object or the ground.
Definition in Chinese
指动物或人用来居住、躲藏或暂时栖息的狭小穴状处所，也可比喻私人藏身或安身之地。zhǐ dòng wù huò rén yòng lái jū zhù duǒ cáng huò zàn shí qī xī de xiá xiǎo xué zhuàng chù suǒ yě kě bǐ yù sī rén cáng shēn huò ān shēn zhī dì
Word origin
The word's concrete sense of an animal's sheltered hollow extends naturally to a person's tucked-away place, which explains its use for both animal homes and private retreats.
Usage tips
- 窝里 (wō lǐ, "inside one's den") can refer informally to home or another private base, giving the word a useful everyday sense beyond animal shelters.
Other meanings
- nestnoun
- hideawaynoun
Related words
- 窝藏wō cángharbor a criminalverb
- 窝棚wō péngshacknoun