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March 24, 2026
锚(錨)máo(mao2)
锚 (máo) means 'anchor,' a device used to secure a vessel to the sea floor. It is commonly used in both maritime contexts and metaphorically to represent stability or security in various situations, such as emotional or financial stability.
Strokes13Radical钅Frequency#12996DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese maritime culture, anchors symbolize safety and the ability to weather storms, reflecting the importance of stability in both personal and community life. The concept of being 'anchored' resonates with the Chinese value of strong family ties.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, heavy anchor (锚) that looks like a giant letter 'M' with a hook. This 'M' shape can remind you of the word 'máo' while the anchor itself symbolizes stability. Picture a ship safely anchored, representing the secure feeling that comes with having an anchor.
Meanings of 锚
máo(mao2)
1anchor
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 锚
锚Simplified
錨Traditional
13Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 锚
Podcast: 锚
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AI Study Notes for 锚
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large, heavy anchor (锚) that looks like a giant letter 'M' with a hook. This 'M' shape can remind you of the word 'máo' while the anchor itself symbolizes stability. Picture a ship safely anchored, representing the secure feeling that comes with having an anchor.
Usage Notes
While 锚 is primarily used in nautical contexts, it can also be used metaphorically. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the tone is important. In spoken Mandarin, ensure you pronounce it with the second tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 锚 is not commonly found in basic HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to themes of stability and security, which can be linked to other HSK terms related to safety and support. Focus on recognizing the character's components to aid in memorization.
Cultural Note
In Chinese maritime culture, anchors symbolize safety and the ability to weather storms, reflecting the importance of stability in both personal and community life. The concept of being 'anchored' resonates with the Chinese value of strong family ties.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 锚 with other words that sound similar, such as 毛 (máo, hair) and 矛 (máo, spear). Remembering the context of 'anchor' can help avoid this confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 锚
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Grammar Patterns of 锚
锚 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 5
Complete the Sentence
我租的车行驶五公里后抛____了.
The car that I rent drop anchor after five kilometers are driven.
Example Sentences for 锚 (4)
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1
我租的车行驶五公里后抛锚了.
wǒ zū de chē háng shǐ wǔ gōng lǐ hòu pāo máo le.
The car that I rent drop anchor after five kilometers are driven.
2
他们在港外抛锚停泊.
tā mén zài gǎng wài pāo máo tíng bó.
They lay at anchor outside the harbour.
3
他们抛锚停船。
tā mén pāo máo tíng chuán。
They anchored the boat.
4
预应力锚杆支护,是提高煤巷节理顶板稳定性的有效方法.
yù yīng lì máo gān zhī hù, , shì tí gāo méi xiàng jié lǐ dǐng bǎn wěn dìng xìng de yǒu xiào fāng.
Pre - tensioned bolts support is an effective way to improve joint roof stability.
Cultural Notes for 锚
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese maritime culture, anchors symbolize safety and the ability to weather storms, reflecting the importance of stability in both personal and community life. The concept of being 'anchored' resonates with the Chinese value of strong family ties.
Word Family of 锚
Words Containing This Character4
锚máoanchor錨
抛锚to drop anchor拋錨
起锚to weigh anchor起錨
锚链anchor chain錨鏈
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 锚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锚
It is pronounced as 'máo' with the second tone, rising slightly.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to talk about emotional or financial stability.
Yes, related words include 稳 (wěn), which means 'stable,' and 支撑 (zhīchēng), meaning 'support.'
