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March 24, 2026
牧mù(Mu4)
The character 牧 (mù) primarily refers to the act of herding or tending to livestock, particularly sheep and cattle. It can also imply the role of a shepherd or someone who governs, particularly in historical contexts. In modern usage, it is often associated with agricultural practices and livestock management.
Strokes8Radical牛Frequency#16355DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In traditional Chinese culture, herding and livestock management have been essential for agrarian societies. The role of the shepherd is revered in literature and reflects the importance of agriculture in sustaining communities.
Memory tip
Imagine a shepherd (牧) standing on a hill, watching over his flock of sheep. The character looks like a person (the vertical line) with a staff (the horizontal line) guiding the animals below. This visual can help you remember both the meaning (to herd) and the pronunciation (mù).
Meanings of 牧
mù(Mu4)
1to herd
2to breed livestock
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 牧 means.
About 牧
牧Simplified
8Strokes
牛Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#16355Frequency Rank
Podcast: 牧
Podcast: 牧
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AI study notes for 牧
Quick Contrast
牧 (mù) vs 放 (fàng) — use 牧 when referring specifically to herding or tending livestock, while 放 is more general for releasing or letting go.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 牧 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, such as '木' (mù, wood) or '目' (mù, eye). This character is more formal and is typically used in contexts related to agriculture or historical governance. Be aware that its usage may not be common in everyday casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As 牧 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on related terms like '牧羊' (mù yáng, to shepherd) or '牧场' (mù chǎng, ranch). Understanding these related terms can help build a stronger vocabulary around agricultural themes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 牧 with related terms like '牧场' (mù chǎng) and '牧羊' (mù yáng) and may incorrectly use them interchangeably. Ensure to use the correct term based on context, such as using '牧羊' specifically for shepherding activities.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 牧
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Learning Lab
Knowing 牧 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.
The character 牧 (mù) primarily refers to the act of herding or tending to livestock, particularly sheep and cattle. It can also imply the role of a shepherd or someone who governs, particularly in historical contexts. In modern usage, it is often associated with agricultural practices and livestock management.
When to use 牧
Common mistakes include confusing 牧 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, such as '木' (mù, wood) or '目' (mù, eye). This character is more formal and is typically used in contexts related to agriculture or historical governance. Be aware that its usage may not be common in everyday casual conversation.
牧 or something close to it
牧 (mù) vs 放 (fàng) — use 牧 when referring specifically to herding or tending livestock, while 放 is more general for releasing or letting go.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 牧 with related terms like '牧场' (mù chǎng) and '牧羊' (mù yáng) and may incorrectly use them interchangeably. Ensure to use the correct term based on context, such as using '牧羊' specifically for shepherding activities.
Write 牧
牧
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Practice writing 牧 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 牧
牧 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 6 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
你是专家，而我是个能力有限的愚笨____师。
I'm a limited and obtuse clergyman while you're the expert.
Example sentences for 牧 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
你是专家，而我是个能力有限的愚笨牧师。
nǐ shì zhuānjiā， ér wǒ shì gè nénglì yǒuxiàn de yú bèn mù Shī。
I'm a limited and obtuse clergyman while you're the expert.
2
她听到楼梯上传来牧师那熟悉的单调脚步声。
tā tīngdào lóutī shàngchuán lái mù Shī nà shúxi de dāndiào jiǎobù shēng。
She heard the priest's familiar, flat footfall on the staircase.
3
只要她在那一带，她总会去拜访教区牧师。
zhǐyào tā zài nà yídài， tā zǒng huì qù bàifǎng jiāo Ōu mù Shī。
She always called at the vicarage whenever she was in the area.
