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蟒 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
mǎngpython, boa constrictorn, 16 strokes, radical 虫, rank #37882, Very Hard
mǎng(mang3) T3
  1. 1python, boa constrictor
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March 24, 2026
mǎng(mang3)

The character 蟒 (mǎng) refers specifically to large non-venomous snakes such as pythons or boa constrictors. It is commonly used in contexts related to nature, wildlife, or discussions about reptiles in both everyday conversation and literature.

Strokes16RadicalFrequency#37882DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, large snakes like the python are often associated with strength and power. They appear in folklore and traditional medicine, where they are sometimes believed to have healing properties.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant, winding python (蟒) wrapping around a tree. The character 蟒 has the radical for 'insect' (虫) at the bottom, reminding you that it is a creature, while the top part might remind you of a mountain (山) indicating its large and imposing nature.

Meanings of 蟒

mǎng(mang3)
1python, boa constrictor
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 蟒

Simplified
16Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 蟒

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AI Study Notes for 蟒

Quick Contrast

蟒 (mǎng) vs 蛇 (shé) — use 蟒 specifically for large non-venomous snakes, while 蛇 is a general term for snakes.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant, winding python (蟒) wrapping around a tree. The character 蟒 has the radical for 'insect' (虫) at the bottom, reminding you that it is a creature, while the top part might remind you of a mountain (山) indicating its large and imposing nature.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 蟒 with similar snake-related terms, as it specifically refers to pythons and boa constrictors. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it as a casual descriptor for all snakes.

HSK Study Tips

Although 蟒 is not part of the official HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners interested in wildlife vocabulary. Students should focus on related animal vocabulary and the use of measure words in conjunction with 蟒.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, large snakes like the python are often associated with strength and power. They appear in folklore and traditional medicine, where they are sometimes believed to have healing properties.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 蟒 with other snake-related words such as 蛇 (shé), which is a general term for 'snake.' For example, saying '我看到一条蟒' (I saw a python) is correct, while '我看到一条蛇' implies any snake, which may not be specific enough.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蟒

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Etymology of 蟒

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

insect

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 蟒?

Decomposition of 蟒

IDS Structure⿰虫莽
Full Character
=
chong2
left
mang3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 蟒?

Write 蟒

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 蟒

蟒 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). 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

大____蛇紧紧盘绕猎物使之无法呼吸,从而杀死猎物。

Pythons kill by tightening their coils so that their victim cannot breathe.

Example Sentences for 蟒 (2)

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1
大蟒蛇紧紧盘绕猎物使之无法呼吸,从而杀死猎物。

dà mǎng shé jǐn jǐn pán rào liè wù shǐ zhī wú fǎ hū xī, , cóng ér shā sǐ liè。

Pythons kill by tightening their coils so that their victim cannot breathe.
2
蟒主要吃鸟和小的哺乳动物.

mǎng zhǔ yào chī niǎo hé xiǎo de bǔ rǔ dòng wù.

The boa feeds on birds and small mammals.

Cultural Notes for 蟒

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, large snakes like the python are often associated with strength and power. They appear in folklore and traditional medicine, where they are sometimes believed to have healing properties.

Word Family of 蟒

Words Containing This Character4
蟒蛇python
mǎngpython
巨蟒python
蟒袍official robe worn by ministers during the Ming 明 (1368-1644) and Qing 清 (1644-1911) dynasties
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 蟒蛇 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 蟒

It is pronounced as 'mǎng' with a falling-rising tone.