Meanings of 乜
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About 乜
Podcast: 乜
Podcast: 乜
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AI Study Notes for 乜
While 乜 is mainly used in spoken Cantonese, learners should be aware that it is less common in formal written Chinese. Be cautious not to confuse it with other similar-sounding words. The tone is important; ensure to pronounce it as 'miē' with a falling tone.
Though not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding 乜 can enhance your comprehension of colloquial Cantonese. Focus on its usage in daily conversations and practice differentiating it from other characters with similar pronunciations.
Learners often confuse 乜 with similar characters or use it in formal contexts where it is inappropriate. For example, saying '乜是你的名字？' (What is your name?) is incorrect; instead, use a more formal phrase like '你叫什么名字？' (What is your name?).
Pronunciation of 乜
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Jason Explains 乜 to You
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How Well Do You Know 乜?
Learning Lab
Knowing 乜 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 乜
Decomposition of 乜
Parts
Which of these is part of 乜?
How to say to squint in Chinese
“to squint” in Chinese is乜
乜 (miē) primarily means 'to squint' or 'to narrow one's eyes'. It is often used in informal contexts, especially in Cantonese, where it can also mean 'what?'. This character is commonly encountered in casual conversations and expressions.
When to use 乜
While 乜 is mainly used in spoken Cantonese, learners should be aware that it is less common in formal written Chinese. Be cautious not to confuse it with other similar-sounding words. The tone is important; ensure to pronounce it as 'miē' with a falling tone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 乜 with similar characters or use it in formal contexts where it is inappropriate. For example, saying '乜是你的名字？' (What is your name?) is incorrect; instead, use a more formal phrase like '你叫什么名字？' (What is your name?).
Write 乜
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Practice writing 乜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 乜
乜 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他____斜着眼睛,撇了撇嘴.
He squinted with his mouth twitched.
Example Sentences for 乜 (10)
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Word Family of 乜
Words with 乜
What does 乜斜 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 乜
You can use it to express confusion or ask for clarification, e.g., '乜？' (What?) when you don’t understand.
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