位

• Pinyin: wèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 位 = 亻(person) + 立 (stand) — a person standing in their position; polite reference to a person

Meaning

A polite measure word for people. Used to show respect when counting or referring to individuals.

The respectful alternative to 个 when referring to people. Used in formal, polite, or professional contexts: 一位老师 (a teacher), 几位客人 (several guests), 这位先生 (this gentleman). Also means 'seat' or 'position' in some contexts (座位, 位子).

Examples

1. 这位是我们的新老师。 This is our new teacher.
2. 请问有几位？ How many people, please?
3. 那位女士是谁？ Who is that lady?

Usage Guide

Context: polite speech, formal occasions, service industry

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 这位是王老师。(This is Teacher Wang.)
• 请问几位用餐？(How many people will be dining?)

Don't Say

• 一位小偷 (Don't use 位 for criminals or people you don't respect — 位 conveys respect; use 个 in neutral or negative contexts)

Origin & History

亻(person radical) + 立 (lì, to stand). A person standing in their position — a respectful way to refer to or count people.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal