Meanings of 蚂
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蚂
Podcast: 蚂
Podcast: 蚂
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 蚂
It's important to use 蚂 specifically for ants and not confuse it with similar insects, as learners might mistakenly use it interchangeably with other insect names. This word is generally informal and commonly used in daily conversation. Be careful with pronunciation, as tone mistakes can change meanings.
Although 蚂 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners at HSK 1 or 2 as it relates to nature and animals. Students should focus on recognizing and using this word in context when talking about insects, especially in descriptive phrases.
Learners often confuse 蚂 with similar characters like 蚊 (wén), which means mosquito. A common mistake is saying 蚂 for mosquitoes; instead, use 蚊 for that context.
Pronunciation of 蚂
Drill the tone of 蚂 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 蚂
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 马 represents the sound. Simplified form of 螞.
insect
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 蚂
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 马 represents the sound. Simplified form of 螞.
- 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half马 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayinsect
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 蚂? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 蚂?
Decomposition of 蚂
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 蚂?
How to say dragonfly in Chinese
“dragonfly” in Chinese is蚂
The character 蚂 (mā) primarily refers to an ant, a small insect known for its social behavior and ability to work in groups. It can also be used more broadly to describe other similar small insects or pests, though its most common usage is specifically for ants in everyday conversation.
When to use 蚂
It's important to use 蚂 specifically for ants and not confuse it with similar insects, as learners might mistakenly use it interchangeably with other insect names. This word is generally informal and commonly used in daily conversation. Be careful with pronunciation, as tone mistakes can change meanings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 蚂 with similar characters like 蚊 (wén), which means mosquito. A common mistake is saying 蚂 for mosquitoes; instead, use 蚊 for that context.
Write 蚂
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 蚂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 蚂
蚂 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 4 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.
Complete the Sentence
一条线拴俩____蚱.
The dooms of the two are closely linked.
Example Sentences for 蚂 (1)
Reorder the Sentence
The dooms of the two are closely linked.
Word Family of 蚂
Compound Meaning
What does 蚂蚁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蚂
No, 蚂 is mostly used in informal contexts, especially in spoken language.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 蚂?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.