wai4 ak1帷幄
Jyutpingwai4 ak1
Yalewàih āk
Definition
An ancient Chinese military tent, often symbolizing a military headquarters or command center.
writtenother
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in historical or literary contexts to refer to the command tent of a general. In modern daily life, it is rarely used except in the idiom 運籌帷幄, which describes someone who devises strategies from a position of control. Using it to describe a regular camping tent or a modern military tent would sound highly unnatural and overly dramatic.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is inside the tent discussing how to fight the war.
Did ancient generals often command from inside the tent?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general words for tents like 帳幕. Remember that 帷幄 carries a specific connotation of military strategy and high-level command, not just a place to sleep outdoors.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
