unknown, 11 strokes, radical 目, rank #28761, Very Hard
móu(mou2) T2
1eye; pupil
2pupil (of the eye)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
眸móu(mou2)
The character 眸 (móu) refers to the pupil or the eye, particularly focusing on the deep, expressive aspect of the eye. It is often used in literary contexts to describe someone's gaze or the beauty of their eyes, conveying a sense of depth and emotion.
Strokes11Radical目Frequency#28761DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the eyes are often seen as windows to the soul, symbolizing emotions and inner thoughts. The use of 眸 in poetry emphasizes the beauty and depth of one's gaze, reflecting the importance of expressive communication.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'mole' (sounds like 'móu') peering out of a hole, its large eyes full of curiosity. The character 眸 visually resembles two eyes looking out, with the left side suggesting depth and the right side suggesting clarity.
Meanings of 眸
móu(mou2)
1eye; pupil
2pupil (of the eye)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 眸
眸Simplified
11Strokes
目Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 眸
Podcast: 眸
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 眸
Quick Contrast
眼 (yǎn) — use 眸 (móu) for a more poetic or expressive description of the eye's depth, while 眼 (yǎn) is the general term for 'eye'.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'mole' (sounds like 'móu') peering out of a hole, its large eyes full of curiosity. The character 眸 visually resembles two eyes looking out, with the left side suggesting depth and the right side suggesting clarity.
Usage Notes
While 眸 is used in more poetic or formal contexts, learners should avoid using it in everyday conversation, where simpler terms like 眼睛 (yǎnjing) are preferred. Be mindful of pronunciation, as a mispronunciation could lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 眸 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK Level 4 terms related to vision, such as 眼 (yǎn) for 'eye.' Students should focus on understanding its nuances in literature and poetry to enrich their vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the eyes are often seen as windows to the soul, symbolizing emotions and inner thoughts. The use of 眸 in poetry emphasizes the beauty and depth of one's gaze, reflecting the importance of expressive communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 眸 with 眼睛, using it inappropriately in casual contexts. For example, saying '我有很美的眸' (Wǒ yǒu hěn měi de móu) instead of '我有很美的眼睛' (Wǒ yǒu hěn měi de yǎnjing) is incorrect in everyday conversation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 眸
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 眸 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 眸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 眸
眸 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.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
她一袭天蓝色的真丝衬衫式连身裙，和她的双____颜色一样。
Her silk shirtdress was sky-blue, the colour of her eyes.
Example Sentences for 眸 (3)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
她一袭天蓝色的真丝衬衫式连身裙，和她的双眸颜色一样。
tā yī xí tiān lán sè de zhēn sī chèn shān shì lián shēn qún， ， hé tā de shuāng móu yán sè yī。
Her silk shirtdress was sky-blue, the colour of her eyes.
2
她的双眸是矢车菊一般的亮蓝色。
tā de shuāng móu shì shǐ chē jú yī bān de liàng lán sè。
Her eyes were a bright, cornflower blue.
3
他被她的外表——高挺的鼻梁、深邃的双眸和浓密的秀发——迷住了。
tā bèi tā de wài biǎo—— —— gāo tǐng de bí、 liáng 、 shēn suì de shuāng móu hé nóng mì de—— xiù fā ——。
He was fascinated by her physiognomy — the prominent nose, brooding eyes and thick hair.
Cultural Notes for 眸
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the eyes are often seen as windows to the soul, symbolizing emotions and inner thoughts. The use of 眸 in poetry emphasizes the beauty and depth of one's gaze, reflecting the importance of expressive communication.
Word Family of 眸
Words Containing This Character7
眸móueye
双眸one's pair of eyes雙眸
回眸to glance back
眼眸eyes
眸子pupil of the eye
明眸皓齿to have bright eyes and white teeth明眸皓齒
皓齿明眸white teeth and bright eyes (idiom); lovely young woman皓齒明眸
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 眸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 眸
No, 眸 is more commonly found in literary or poetic contexts rather than in everyday speech.
It is pronounced as 'móu,' with a rising tone.
眸 refers specifically to the pupil or the gaze, emphasizing depth, while 眼睛 is the general term for 'eye'.
