classifier for length or distance (yard), happenings etc
HSK 7, n, 8 strokes, radical 石, rank #2288, Hard
码
mǎ
number, numeral, symbol; yard
HSK 7, n, 8 strokes, radical 石, rank #2288, Hard
mǎ(ma3) T3
1weight
2number
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March 24, 2026
码(碼)mǎ(ma3)
The character 码 (mǎ) primarily refers to a code or symbol, often used in contexts such as programming or numbering systems. It can also denote weight and is a classifier for measuring length or distance, particularly in yards. In everyday usage, it's common in phrases related to coding or organizing information.
Strokes8Radical石Frequency#2288DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, 码 is frequently used in the context of digital technology, such as QR codes that are ubiquitous in daily transactions and interactions, reflecting the rapid integration of technology into daily life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant 'm' shaped like a stack of numbers, and a 'ǎ' that looks like a code being read. Picture a programmer stacking different codes together to create a functioning program, helping you remember that 码 relates to both numbers and coding.
Meanings of 码
mǎ(ma3)
1weight
2number
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 码
码Simplified
碼Traditional
8Strokes
石Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2288Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 码
Podcast: 码
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AI Study Notes for 码
Quick Contrast
编码 (biānmǎ) vs 码 (mǎ) — use 编码 when specifically referring to the process of encoding information, while 码 is more general and refers to a code or symbol.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant 'm' shaped like a stack of numbers, and a 'ǎ' that looks like a code being read. Picture a programmer stacking different codes together to create a functioning program, helping you remember that 码 relates to both numbers and coding.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 码 (mǎ) with other similar-sounding words that have different meanings. It is mostly used in informal scenarios, especially in technology and everyday communication. Common collocations include 代码 (dàimǎ) meaning 'code' and 号码 (hàomǎ) meaning 'number'.
HSK Study Tips
While 码 may not be included in the official HSK levels, it's useful for learners who are progressing beyond basic vocabulary. Focus on its use in everyday phrases and its relationship to technology, as it can enhance your understanding of modern Chinese.
Cultural Note
In China, 码 is frequently used in the context of digital technology, such as QR codes that are ubiquitous in daily transactions and interactions, reflecting the rapid integration of technology into daily life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 码 (mǎ) with similar characters like 吗 (ma), which is a question particle. For example, saying '我码吗?' instead of '我好吗?' can lead to confusion. Remember that 码 pertains to codes or numbers.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 码
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Grammar Patterns of 码
码 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 7 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.
Lupescu scored from 20 yards and then Balint made it 4-
8
他在往前50码远的十字路口停了下来。
tā zài wǎng qián50 50 mǎ yuǎn de shí zì lù kǒu tíng le xià。
He came to a halt at a crossroads fifty yards further on.
9
他们触礁时离海岸仅有500码。
tā mén chù jiāo shí lí hǎi àn jǐn yǒu500 500。
When they hit the rocks, they were just 500 yards offshore.
10
你有他的地址和电话号码么？
nǐ yǒu tā de dì zhǐ hé diàn huà hào mǎ mó？
Do you have an address and phone number for him?
Cultural Notes for 码
💡Did you know?
In Chinese, the character '码' is often used in technology contexts, such as QR codes and programming languages. Its association with numbers and codes reflects the digital age's reliance on numerical systems.
🏮Cultural insight
In China, 码 is frequently used in the context of digital technology, such as QR codes that are ubiquitous in daily transactions and interactions, reflecting the rapid integration of technology into daily life.
Word Family of 码
Words Containing This Character20
号码hàomǎnumber號碼
码mǎweight碼
密码mìmǎsecret code密碼
起码qǐmǎat the minimum起碼
数码shùmǎnumber數碼
码头mǎtóudock碼頭
代码code代碼
筹码chóumǎbargaining chip籌碼
编码to code編碼
解码to decode解碼
尺码size尺碼
两码事two quite different things兩碼事
邮政编码postal code郵政編碼
价码price tag價碼
砝码standard weight (used on a balance scale)砝碼
条形码barcode條形碼
条码barcode條碼
加码to ratchet up加碼
解码器decoder解碼器
戏码item (on a program)戲碼
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 号码 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 码
码 is pronounced as 'mǎ' in Mandarin, with a third tone. It's important to get the tone correct, as it can change the meaning of the word. Listening to native speakers can help you perfect the pronunciation.
码 (mǎ) generally refers to 'code' or 'number', while 号码 (hàomǎ) specifically means 'number' or 'phone number'. In contexts involving coding or measurements, 码 is more commonly used, whereas 号码 is typically used when discussing numerical identifiers.
To use 码 (mǎ) in a sentence, you can refer to it as a unit of measurement or in the context of coding. For example, you might say '这个代码有很多条码' (This code has many barcodes) or '这根绳子有三码长' (This rope is three yards long).
码 (mǎ) can mean 'weight', 'number', or 'code' depending on the context in which it is used. It can also refer to the action of piling or stacking. Additionally, it serves as a classifier for length or distance, such as yards.
Generally, 码 is more common in informal communication, especially in tech-related discussions, so it's best to use it in casual settings.
Think of 'mǎ' as a 'code' that helps you stack up your knowledge in Mandarin!
