Meanings of 貓
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About 貓
Podcast: 貓
Podcast: 貓
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AI study notes for 貓
狗 (gǒu) - use 貓 when referring specifically to cats, while 狗 refers to dogs.
When using the word 貓, it's important to remember that it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include '小貓' (kitten) and '貓咪' (a more affectionate term for cat). A common mistake is to forget the tone; 'māo' with the first tone means 'cat', while 'mào' with the fourth tone means 'to fur' or 'to cast off', which can lead to confusion.
Although 貓 is not currently listed in the HSK vocabulary, it is essential for beginners as it relates to common pets. Students should focus on pronunciation and recognizing the character's radicals, especially the left side (貝) that indicates its connection to value or worth.
Learners often confuse 貓 with the character for 'dog' (狗, gǒu) due to similar contexts. Remember, 貓 is for cats, while 狗 refers to dogs. Another mistake is mispronouncing the tone; ensure you say 'māo' with the first tone to mean 'cat'.
Pronunciation of 貓
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Learning Lab
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 貓
Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 苗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貓.
badger
Origin
貓 = 豸 + 苗. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 貓
Parts
Which of these is part of 貓?
How to say cat in Chinese
“cat” in Chinese is貓
The character 貓 (māo) means 'cat' in Mandarin. It refers specifically to the domesticated feline animal that is often kept as a pet. In various contexts, this character can also evoke notions of independence and gracefulness, as cats are known for their agile movements and aloof personalities.
When to use 貓
When using the word 貓, it's important to remember that it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include '小貓' (kitten) and '貓咪' (a more affectionate term for cat). A common mistake is to forget the tone; 'māo' with the first tone means 'cat', while 'mào' with the fourth tone means 'to fur' or 'to cast off', which can lead to confusion.
貓 or something close to it
狗 (gǒu) - use 貓 when referring specifically to cats, while 狗 refers to dogs.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 貓 with the character for 'dog' (狗, gǒu) due to similar contexts. Remember, 貓 is for cats, while 狗 refers to dogs. Another mistake is mispronouncing the tone; ensure you say 'māo' with the first tone to mean 'cat'.
Write 貓
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Practice writing 貓 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 貓
貓 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
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____沿着小路轻步而行.
The cat padded silently along the track.
Example sentences for 貓 (1)
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Word Family of 貓
Characters with 貓
What does 猫 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 貓
In Mandarin, 'cat' is pronounced as 貓 (māo).
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