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March 24, 2026
沫mò(mo4)
The character 沫 (mò) refers to foam, bubbles, or froth, typically formed on the surface of liquids. It is commonly used in contexts related to beverages, soaps, and natural phenomena like waves. The term can evoke imagery of lightness and transience, often used metaphorically in poetry and literature.
Strokes8Radical氵Frequency#25798DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese tea culture, the presence of froth in a well-brewed tea can signify quality and craftsmanship. The character 沫 can be used to describe the beautiful bubbles that form on the surface of freshly brewed tea.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soft, fluffy cloud of bubbles (沫) rising from your favorite drink. The character has a water radical (氵) on the left, hinting at its connection to liquids, while the right component can remind you of something delicate and airy. Picture yourself blowing bubbles to remember the sound 'mò'.
Meanings of 沫
mò(mo4)
1foam
2suds
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 沫
沫Simplified
8Strokes
氵Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#25798Frequency Rank
Podcast: 沫
Podcast: 沫
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AI Study Notes for 沫
Quick Contrast
泡沫 (pàomò, bubble) — use 沫 (mò) for foam or froth specifically on surfaces, while 泡沫 (pàomò) refers to bubbles more broadly, including those that may not form a surface layer.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 沫 is pronounced with a falling tone (mò), which is distinct from other similar-sounding words. It is typically used in informal contexts but can appear in literary descriptions as well. Common collocations include '泡沫' (pàomò) meaning 'foam' or 'bubbles'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 沫 is not part of the official HSK levels, it connects to vocabulary related to liquids and textures. Focus on its usage in descriptive language, which enhances your ability to discuss nature and culinary topics. Familiarize yourself with other words that relate to liquids (like 水 shuǐ) to deepen your understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 沫 (mò) with 泡 (pào), mistakenly using 泡 to describe foam in contexts where 沫 is more appropriate. For example, saying '茶有泡' (chá yǒu pào) instead of '茶有沫' (chá yǒu mò) is incorrect; use 沫 for the frothy surface of liquids.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 沫
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Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 末 represents the sound.
1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
2The sound half末 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywater
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 沫? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 沫?
Decomposition of 沫
IDS Structure⿰氵末
沫Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
末mo4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 沫?
How to say foam in Chinese
“foam” in Chinese is沫mò
The character 沫 (mò) refers to foam, bubbles, or froth, typically formed on the surface of liquids. It is commonly used in contexts related to beverages, soaps, and natural phenomena like waves. The term can evoke imagery of lightness and transience, often used metaphorically in poetry and literature.
When to use 沫
Be cautious with the tone; 沫 is pronounced with a falling tone (mò), which is distinct from other similar-sounding words. It is typically used in informal contexts but can appear in literary descriptions as well. Common collocations include '泡沫' (pàomò) meaning 'foam' or 'bubbles'.
沫 or something close to it
泡沫 (pàomò, bubble) — use 沫 (mò) for foam or froth specifically on surfaces, while 泡沫 (pàomò) refers to bubbles more broadly, including those that may not form a surface layer.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 沫 (mò) with 泡 (pào), mistakenly using 泡 to describe foam in contexts where 沫 is more appropriate. For example, saying '茶有泡' (chá yǒu pào) instead of '茶有沫' (chá yǒu mò) is incorrect; use 沫 for the frothy surface of liquids.
Write 沫
沫
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Grammar Patterns of 沫
沫 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 5
Complete the Sentence
这项新发明能保证啤酒始终保持丰富的泡____。
The new invention ensures the beer keeps a full, frothy head.
