unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #80028, Very Hard
铆
mǎo
(coll.) to exert one's strength
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #80028, Very Hard
mǎo(mao3) T3
1rivet
2to fasten with rivets
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March 24, 2026
铆(鉚)mǎo(mao3)
The character 铆 (mǎo) primarily refers to a 'rivet'—a metal pin used to fasten materials together securely. It can also mean 'to fasten with rivets' in a more technical context, and informally, it can imply 'to exert one's strength' in an effortful manner.
Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#80028DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, riveting was a crucial technique in building structures like bridges and temples, highlighting the importance of strength and durability in Chinese architecture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong worker named Mao who is riveting two metal sheets together. The character 铆 looks like a person (亻) using a tool (上下) to fasten materials, emphasizing strength and fastening.
Meanings of 铆
mǎo(mao3)
1rivet
2to fasten with rivets
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 铆
铆Simplified
鉚Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 铆
Podcast: 铆
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AI Study Notes for 铆
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong worker named Mao who is riveting two metal sheets together. The character 铆 looks like a person (亻) using a tool (上下) to fasten materials, emphasizing strength and fastening.
Usage Notes
This character is used mainly in technical contexts dealing with construction or metalwork. Be cautious about the tone; it is pronounced with a third tone (mǎo), which is often mispronounced as the second tone (máo). Collocations include '铆钉' (rivet) and '铆接' (to rivet together).
HSK Study Tips
Although not part of the HSK vocabulary, learning 铆 can enhance your understanding of related terms in technical fields. Focus on the radicals and their meanings as they often appear in similar contexts.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, riveting was a crucial technique in building structures like bridges and temples, highlighting the importance of strength and durability in Chinese architecture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 铆 (mǎo) with the similar sounding word 毛 (máo), which means 'hair' or 'fur.' Remember that 铆 specifically relates to fastening. A wrong example would be saying '我需要毛来固定这个' (I need hair to fix this), instead use '我需要铆来固定这个' (I need rivets to fix this).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铆
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Grammar Patterns of 铆
铆 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
The riveter riveted the metal sheets to the ship's bottom.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
Straighten the rivets, please.
Tap tokens to build the sentence
Cultural Notes for 铆
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, riveting was a crucial technique in building structures like bridges and temples, highlighting the importance of strength and durability in Chinese architecture.
Word Family of 铆
Words Containing This Character4
铆钉rivet鉚釘
铆mǎoto fasten with rivets鉚
铆接riveted joint鉚接
铆钉枪rivet gun鉚釘槍
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 铆钉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 铆
You might say '这两个金属板需要铆在一起' (These two metal sheets need to be riveted together).
Yes, informally, it can mean to exert effort, such as '他铆尽全力' (He exerted all his strength).
铆 refers to rivets specifically used for fastening, while 钉 (dīng) means a nail, which is a different fastening tool.
