Meaning
卧 refers to the action of lying down in a horizontal position, typically to rest or sleep. It is more formal and literary than 躺 (tǎng), though both mean 'to lie down.' This character appears in many compound words related to lying down, reclining, or things associated with rest.
Usage
卧 is commonly used in formal or written contexts and in compound words rather than alone in everyday speech. Native speakers more often say 躺下 (tǎng xià) in casual conversation when talking about lying down. However, 卧 appears frequently in fixed expressions like 卧室 (bedroom), 卧铺 (sleeping berth), and 卧倒 (to lie down flat).
Examples
- 01病人需要卧床休息。.The patient needs to rest in bed.
- 02这是我的卧室。.This is my bedroom.
Common collocations
- 卧室bedroom
- 卧铺sleeping berth (on train)
- 卧倒to lie down flat, to drop down
- 卧床to be bedridden
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 臥 shows a person (臣) lying down under a roof or shelter. The simplified form 卧 removes some strokes but retains the basic meaning of a person in a reclining position.