雄伟

• Pinyin: xióng wěi
• Hanzi breakdown: 雄 = 厷 (arm) + 隹 (bird), depicting a powerful male bird; 伟 = 亻 (person) + 韦 (surround), meaning great

Meaning

Grand; majestic; magnificent. Describes something impressively large or powerful in appearance.

Used to describe buildings, mountains, monuments, and other large-scale structures or natural features that evoke awe. Often appears with 壮观 (spectacular) in formal descriptions. Can also describe abstract concepts like ambitions or plans when emphasizing their grand scale.

Examples

1. 长城是世界上最雄伟的建筑之一。 The Great Wall is one of the most magnificent buildings in the world.
2. 站在山顶上，眼前的景色十分雄伟。 Standing on the mountaintop, the view before me was extremely majestic.
3. 这座教堂的建筑风格非常雄伟壮观。 The architectural style of this cathedral is very grand and spectacular.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, architecture, nature

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 故宫的建筑真雄伟！(The architecture of the Forbidden City is truly magnificent!)
• 那座雄伟的雪山让人叹为观止。(That majestic snow-capped mountain is breathtaking.)

Don't Say

• 这个小盆栽很雄伟 (雄伟 is for large-scale things — use 漂亮 or 精致 for small decorative items)

Origin & History

Compound of 雄 (male, powerful) and 伟 (great, mighty), together meaning grandly powerful.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal