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March 24, 2026
茆máo(mao2)
The character 茆 (máo) primarily refers to a type of aquatic plant known as water mallow. It can also denote loess hills in certain dialects and is used to describe thatch made from plants like reeds. This character is often encountered in discussions about botany or regional geography in China.
Strokes8Radical艹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In some regions of China,茆 is associated with traditional thatching techniques used in rural architecture, representing a connection to historical building practices and local materials.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'mauve' (sounds like máo) water plant swaying gently in the water. The character 茆 has the radical for plants (艹) on top, which hints at its botanical meaning, while the bottom part resembles a flowing stream, connecting it to water.
Meanings of 茆
máo(mao2)
primary
1water mallow
2type of water plant
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 茆
茆Simplified
8Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 茆
Podcast: 茆
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AI Study Notes for 茆
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'mauve' (sounds like máo) water plant swaying gently in the water. The character 茆 has the radical for plants (艹) on top, which hints at its botanical meaning, while the bottom part resembles a flowing stream, connecting it to water.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 茆 with its variant 茅 (máo), which means 'thatch' or 'reeds.' It's important to note that 茆 is less commonly used in everyday conversation, so it may appear more in written contexts related to botany or dialects. Be mindful of the tone, as a mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other characters.
HSK Study Tips
Although 茆 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your knowledge of botanical terms and regional language variations. Focus on recognizing the character's components to help with memorization and pronunciation.
Cultural Note
In some regions of China,茆 is associated with traditional thatching techniques used in rural architecture, representing a connection to historical building practices and local materials.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 茆 with 茅 (máo). For example, saying '我喜欢茅' when they mean 'I like water mallow' is incorrect; they should use '我喜欢茆'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 茆
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Cultural Notes for 茆
🏮Cultural insight
In some regions of China,茆 is associated with traditional thatching techniques used in rural architecture, representing a connection to historical building practices and local materials.
Word Family of 茆
Words Containing This Character1
茆máothatch
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 茆 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 茆
茆 means 'water mallow' or refers to thatch made from plants.
It is pronounced as 'máo' with a rising tone.
It is less common in everyday conversation and more likely to appear in written contexts.
