瓦

• Pinyin: wǎ
• Hanzi breakdown: 瓦 = pictograph of two S-shaped interlocking roof tiles seen from above

Meaning

Roof tile; watt (unit of power). Can refer to the traditional curved clay tile used in Chinese architecture, or serve as the measure word for the electrical unit.

As 瓦 (roof tile): a key feature of traditional Chinese architecture, especially the grey curved tiles (青瓦) of south China and the glazed tiles (琉璃瓦) of imperial buildings. Culturally associated with traditional housing and heritage. As a unit: abbreviation for 瓦特 (watt), used in electricity.

Examples

1. 古镇里的青砖黑瓦是江南建筑最典型的特征。 The grey bricks and black roof tiles of the ancient town are the most characteristic features of Jiangnan architecture.
2. 这栋楼的屋顶经过修缮，换上了新瓦，焕然一新。 The roof of this building was renovated and fitted with new tiles, giving it a completely fresh look.
3. 这个灯泡是60瓦的，换成节能灯只需要10瓦。 This lightbulb is 60 watts; switching to an energy-saving bulb would only require 10 watts.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, electricity, everyday

Tone: matter-of-fact

Do Say

• 屋顶的几片瓦被大风吹掉了，需要尽快修补。(A few roof tiles were blown off by the strong wind and need to be repaired soon.)
• 请问这台空调的功率是多少瓦？(How many watts is this air conditioner?)

Don't Say

• 把砖和瓦混淆 (砖 is brick; 瓦 is tile — they are different building materials)

Origin & History

The character 瓦 is a pictograph of two interlocking roof tiles. In ancient Chinese, 瓦 referred specifically to fired clay objects — tiles, pots, and other ceramics.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient through modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal