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Glite Dictionary
Wu

Wu

9.9
A group of related Chinese dialects spoken around Shanghai and Suzhou
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Wu
  • Many inhabitants of Shanghai speak Wu as their native language.

Examples

  • The Wu dialects are distinct from Mandarin in both pronunciation and vocabulary.

  • Many people in Shanghai speak Wu dialect.

  • Linguists study Wu to understand the diversity of Chinese languages.

  • The Wu language has many unique features.

  • In Shanghai, many locals speak Wu dialects with unique tones and expressions.

  • I learned some basic phrases in Wu to communicate better with my relatives in Suzhou.

  • The Wu dialect has a rich cultural history that influences the music and arts of the region.

Synonyms

Wu dialect
vsWu
  • Specialized
9.9

A form of Chinese spoken in the area around the Yangtze River, including Shanghai

adds that the varieties are related and names cities like Suzhou

Compounds

Wu dialect
  • Specialized
9.9

A form of Chinese spoken in the area around the Yangtze River, including Shanghai

Surface Forms

Wu singular
Wus plural

Etymology

Wu comes from the name of an old state and region in eastern China, and you may also know Wu as a common Chinese family name. A helpful way to remember it is that Wu names the 'local speech' of that place — the group of dialects spoken around the Yangtze delta, like Shanghai and Suzhou.