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孟 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
mèngfirst in a series; great, eminentHSK 7, nr, 8 strokes, radical 子, rank #20920, Hard
mèngsurname MengHSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 子, rank #20920, Hard
mèngeldest amongst brothersHSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 子, rank #20920, Hard
mèng(Meng4) T4
  1. 1first in a series; great, eminent
  2. 2eldest amongst brothers
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March 24, 2026
mèng(Meng4)

The character 孟 (mèng) has several meanings, primarily relating to the concept of being the first or eldest in a series, particularly among siblings. It is often used as a surname as well, and carries connotations of greatness or prominence, especially in historical contexts, such as with the philosopher Mengzi (Mencius).

Strokes8RadicalFrequency#20920DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The character 孟 is famously associated with the philosopher Mengzi (Mencius), who is revered in Chinese culture for his contributions to Confucianism. This connection highlights the importance of elder wisdom and guidance in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Think of 孟 (mèng) as a 'magnificent elder' in a family. The character consists of the radical for 'child' (子) at the bottom, suggesting a connection to family, while the top part looks like a roof, symbolizing protection or prominence over the family.

Meanings of 孟

mèng(Meng4)
1first in a series; great, eminent
2eldest amongst brothers
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 孟

Simplified
8Strokes
Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 孟

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AI Study Notes for 孟

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 孟 (mèng) as a 'magnificent elder' in a family. The character consists of the radical for 'child' (子) at the bottom, suggesting a connection to family, while the top part looks like a roof, symbolizing protection or prominence over the family.

Usage Notes

孟 is often used in formal contexts, especially in names and literature. A common mistake is using it informally, as it is generally reserved for more significant references. Be mindful of the tone; it is pronounced with a falling tone (mèng) which can change the meaning if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

While 孟 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding this character can help learners recognize names and historical references, especially in classical texts. Focus on its connections to familial terms and other characters related to family hierarchy.

Cultural Note

The character 孟 is famously associated with the philosopher Mengzi (Mencius), who is revered in Chinese culture for his contributions to Confucianism. This connection highlights the importance of elder wisdom and guidance in Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 孟 with similar-sounding characters like 梦 (mèng, dream), leading to mix-ups in meaning. Always remember that 孟 relates to hierarchy and family, while 梦 relates to dreams.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 孟

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Etymology of 孟

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

A child 子 sitting on a throne 皿

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 孟?

Decomposition of 孟

IDS Structure⿱子皿
Full Character
=
zi3
top
min3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 孟?

Write 孟

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Grammar Patterns of 孟

孟 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 3 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

他也想看看原生态的____加拉国是什么样子。

He also wanted to see Bangladesh in the raw.

Example Sentences for 孟 (9)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他也想看看原生态的孟加拉国是什么样子。

tā yě xiǎng kàn kàn yuán shēng tài de mèng jiā lā guó shì shí mó yàng zǐ。

He also wanted to see Bangladesh in the raw.
2
孟加拉国队掷硬币赢了,决定先击球。

mèng jiā lā guó duì zhì yìng bì yíng le, , jué dìng xiān jī。

Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first.
3
1857年,孟德尔开始在修道院的菜园里用豌豆做实验。

1857 1857, nián , mèng dé ěr kāi shǐ zài xiū dào yuàn de cài yuán lǐ yòng wān dòu zuò。

In 1857 Mendel started experimenting with peas in his monastery garden.
4
孟岗集洼陷是东濮凹陷内勘探程度最低的地区.

mèng gǎng jí wā xiàn shì dōng pú āo xiàn nèi kān tàn chéng dù zuì dī de dì qū.

Menggangji sag is a region least explored in Dongpu depression.
5
孟买被认为是 千千百百拾 荒者的家.

mèng mǎi bèi rèn wéi shì qiān qiān bǎi bǎi shí huāng zhě.

Mumbai is thought to be home to hundreds of thousands of rag - pickers .
6
孟裴斯以下是一条大河, 处处都是齐岸大水.

mèng péi sī yǐ xià shì yī tiáo dà hé, , chǔ chǔ dū shì qí àn dà.

It was a big river, below Memphis ; banks brimming full, everywhere.
7
韩孟翔 微笑.刘玉英也就懒懒地走到前面去了.

hán mèng xiáng wēi. xiào . liú yù yīng yě jiù lǎn lǎn dì zǒu dào qián miàn.

Han Meng - hsiang smiled, and Liu Yu - ying casually moved towards him.
8
但是刘玉英的脸色立即又转为微红, 抿着嘴对韩孟翔笑.

dàn shì liú yù yīng de liǎn sè lì jí yòu zhuǎn wéi wēi hóng, , mǐn zháo zuǐ duì hán mèng xiáng.

Almost immediately, however, her expression returned to normal , and she pursed her lips into a smile.
9
韩孟翔也许远远地瞧见了刘玉英这才来的.

hán mèng xiáng yě xǔ yuǎn yuǎn dì qiáo jiàn le liú yù yīng zhè cái lái de.

He must have just caught sight of her in the distance and come across.

Cultural Notes for 孟

🏮Cultural insight

The character 孟 is famously associated with the philosopher Mengzi (Mencius), who is revered in Chinese culture for his contributions to Confucianism. This connection highlights the importance of elder wisdom and guidance in Chinese society.

Word Family of 孟

Words Containing This Character14
mèngfirst month of a season
孟菲斯Memphis (Egypt or Tennessee)
孟买Mumbai (formerly Bombay)孟買
孟子book of the same name, one of the classics of Confucianism
孟加拉Bengal
孟加拉国Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan)孟加拉國
孔孟之道the teaching of Confucius and Mencius
孟加拉湾Bay of Bengal孟加拉灣
孟姜女heroine of Qin dynasty 秦朝 folk tale, who searched for her husband, and whose tears broke down a stretch of the Great Wall to reveal his body
吴孟超Wu Mengchao (1922-), Chinese medical scientist and surgeon specializing in liver and gallbladder disorders吳孟超
农德孟Nong Duc Manh (1940-), general secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party 2001-2011農德孟
孟尝君Lord Menchang of Qi, Chancellor of Qi and of Wei during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC)孟嘗君
孟浩然Meng Haoran (689-740), Tang Dynasty Poet
西孟加拉邦West Bengal
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 孟 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 孟

It denotes the eldest among siblings, often signifying a position of respect.