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墨 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
墨mòsurname MoHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, radical 土, rank #7925, Hard
墨mòabbr. for 墨西哥[Mò xī gē], MexicoHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, radical 土, rank #7925, Hard
墨mòink stickHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, radical 土, rank #7925, Hard
墨mòChina inkHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, radical 土, rank #7925, Hard
墨mò>块[kuài]HSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, radical 土, rank #7925, Hard
墨mòcorporal punishment consisting of tattooing characters on the victim's foreheadHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, radical 土, rank #7925, Hard
墨mòink; writing; MexicoHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, radical 土, rank #7925, Hard
墨mòabbr. for 墨西哥[Mo4 xi1 ge1], MexicoHSK 7, unknown, 15 strokes, radical 土, rank #7925, Hard
mò(Mo4) T4
  1. 1abbr. for 墨西哥[Mò xī gē], Mexico
  2. 2ink stick
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
墨mò(Mo4)

The character 墨 (mò) primarily refers to ink, particularly traditional Chinese ink used for calligraphy and painting. It can also denote the surname Mo and is an abbreviation for Mexico (墨西哥). In historical contexts, it may refer to a form of corporal punishment involving tattooing characters on the forehead.

Strokes15Radical土Frequency#7925DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, ink (墨) is considered a vital part of calligraphy, which is highly respected as an art form. The production and use of traditional ink sticks are steeped in history, relating to the values of patience and craftsmanship.

Memory Tip

Imagine a black cat (墨) sitting on a pile of ink, purring as it watches a painter create beautiful calligraphy. The cat's black color symbolizes ink, while the sound 'mò' can be remembered as the cat's soft 'meow'.

Meanings of 墨

mò(Mo4)
1abbr. for 墨西哥[Mò xī gē], Mexico
2ink stick
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 墨

墨Simplified
15Strokes
土Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#7925Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 墨

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Podcast: 墨

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AI Study Notes for 墨

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a black cat (墨) sitting on a pile of ink, purring as it watches a painter create beautiful calligraphy. The cat's black color symbolizes ink, while the sound 'mò' can be remembered as the cat's soft 'meow'.

Usage Notes

墨 is commonly used in artistic and literary contexts, especially related to calligraphy. Be cautious not to confuse it with the character for 'black' (黑 - hēi), as they represent different concepts. Remember that in formal writing, using 墨 for 'ink' may be more appropriate than in casual conversation.

HSK Study Tips

墨 is not specifically part of the HSK curriculum, but it connects to other HSK vocabulary related to writing and art. Focus on its usage in phrases related to art supplies and traditional practices to build a broader vocabulary.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, ink (墨) is considered a vital part of calligraphy, which is highly respected as an art form. The production and use of traditional ink sticks are steeped in history, relating to the values of patience and craftsmanship.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 墨 (ink) with 墨西哥 (Mexico) without context. For example, saying '我需要墨' (I need Mexico) instead of '我需要墨水' (I need ink) can lead to confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 墨

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Etymology of 墨

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

Chalk made from black 黑 earth 土

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 墨?

Decomposition of 墨

IDS Structure⿱黑土
墨Full Character
=
黑Hei1
top
土Tu3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 墨?

Write 墨

墨

Practice writing 墨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 墨

墨 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 8 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

在新____西哥州，有各种各样的烹饪方法。

In New Mexico all kinds of cuisines are represented.

Example Sentences for 墨 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
在新墨西哥州，有各种各样的烹饪方法。

zài xīn mò xī gē zhōu， ， yǒu gè zhǒng gè yàng de pēng rèn fāng。

In New Mexico all kinds of cuisines are represented.
2
墨菲的口气像个孩子。

mò fēi de kǒu qì xiàng gè hái zǐ。

Murphy sounds like a child.
3
我们会密切注意从墨尔本飞来的每架飞机。

wǒ mén huì mì qiē zhù yì cóng mò ěr běn fēi lái de měi jià fēi jī。

We'd be watching every plane coming in from Melbourne.
4
“墨西哥的烹调注重俭省，”她说，“任何东西都不会浪费。”

“ “ mò xī gē de pēng tiáo zhù zhòng jiǎn，” shěng ，”，“ tā shuō ，“ rèn hé dōng xī dū bù。”

Mexican cookery is economical, she says. Nothing goes to waste.
5
墨迹在湿纸上浸开了。

mò jì zài shī zhǐ shàng jìn kāi le。

The ink had run on the wet paper.
6
那男孩把墨水瓶放回原处.

nà nán hái bǎ mò shuǐ píng fàng huí yuán chǔ.

The boy put the ink bottle back where it came from.
7
1936年，墨索里尼攻占了阿比西尼亚。

1936 1936， nián ， mò suǒ lǐ ní gōng zhān le ā bǐ xī。

During 1936, Mussolini conquered Abyssinia.
8
我刚读完一本关于墨西哥古代诸王国的书.

wǒ gāng dú wán yī běn guān yú mò xī gē gǔ dài zhū wáng guó de shū.

I've just finished reading a book on the ancient kingdoms of Mexico.
9
墨菲现在已经是好莱坞的一线男喜剧明星了。

mò fēi xiàn zài yǐ jīng shì hǎo lái wù de yī xiàn nán xǐ jù míng xīng le。

By now Murphy is Hollywood'stop male comedy star.
10
近朱者赤,近墨者黑.

jìn zhū zhě chì, , jìn mò zhě.

He that lies down with dogs must rise up with fleas.

Cultural Notes for 墨

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, ink (墨) is considered a vital part of calligraphy, which is highly respected as an art form. The production and use of traditional ink sticks are steeped in history, relating to the values of patience and craftsmanship.

Word Family of 墨

Words Containing This Character20
墨西哥Mexico
墨mòink stick
墨镜sunglasses墨鏡
墨水mòshuǐink
墨尔本Melbourne, Australia墨爾本
墨迹ink marks墨跡
墨西哥城Mexico City, capital of Mexico
墨西哥人Mexican
新墨西哥州New Mexico, US state
笔墨words筆墨
石墨black lead
油墨printing ink
水墨ink (used in painting)
墨西哥湾Gulf of Mexico墨西哥灣
墨绿dark green墨綠
墨鱼cuttlefish墨魚
墨子Mozi (c. 470-391 BC), founder of the Mohist School 墨家[Mò​jiā] of the Warring States Period (475-220 BC)
墨索里尼Benito Mussolini (1883-1945), Italian fascist dictator, "Il Duce", president 1922-1943
墨盒ink cartridge
浓墨重彩thick and heavy in colors濃墨重彩
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 墨西哥 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 墨

墨 means 'ink' and can also refer to the surname Mo or Mexico.