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馒 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
馒mánsteamed breadn, 14 strokes, radical 饣, rank #96087, Very Hard
馒mánsteamed buns; steamed dumplingsn, 14 strokes, radical 饣, rank #96087, Very Hard
mán(man2)man T2
  1. 1steamed bread
  2. 2steamed buns; steamed dumplings
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March 24, 2026

馒(饅)mán(man2)

The character 馒 (mán) refers to a type of steamed bread or buns commonly found in Chinese cuisine. It is often made from wheat flour and can be served plain or filled with various ingredients. This dish is popular as a staple food in many regions of China, particularly in northern areas.

Strokes14Radical饣Frequency#96087DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

馒头 is a traditional food item often served during Chinese New Year celebrations and other festive occasions, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. It plays an important role in family gatherings and communal meals.

Memory Tip

Imagine a fluffy, white cloud that looks like a soft bun. The character 馒 has the radical for 'food' (饣) on the left, hinting at its nature as a food item, while the right side resembles a soft, round shape, reminiscent of a bun. Remember 'mán' sounds like 'man' who loves to eat bun!

Meanings of 馒

mán(man2)
1steamed bread
2steamed buns; steamed dumplings
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 馒

馒Simplified
饅Traditional
14Strokes
饣Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#65535Frequency Rank

Podcast: 馒

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Podcast: 馒

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AI Study Notes for 馒

Quick Contrast

馒 (mán) vs 包 (bāo) — use 馒 when referring specifically to steamed buns, while 包 generally refers to any type of filled bun.

Usage Notes

When using the word 馒, it is often paired with other terms to specify types, such as 馒头 (mán tóu) for plain steamed buns. Be cautious with pronunciation, as confusing it with similar-sounding words can change meanings, especially in informal contexts where slang may arise.

HSK Study Tips

Although not classified under HSK, this word is beneficial for learners at HSK 2 or 3, especially when discussing food. Students should practice using this word in sentences about meals and food preferences to reinforce vocabulary related to dining.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 馒 (mán) with 饅 (mán), which refers to a different style of bun. A common error is using the wrong tone, such as saying 'mang' instead of 'mán', which could lead to misunderstandings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 馒

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Etymology of 馒

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

Phonosemantic compound. 饣 represents the meaning and 曼 represents the sound. Simplified form of 饅.

Memory Hint

food

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

Origin

馒 = 饣 + 曼. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 馒

IDS Structure⿰饣曼
馒Full Character
=
饣shi2
left
曼man4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 馒?

How to say steamed bread in Chinese

“steamed bread” in Chinese is馒mán

The character 馒 (mán) refers to a type of steamed bread or buns commonly found in Chinese cuisine. It is often made from wheat flour and can be served plain or filled with various ingredients. This dish is popular as a staple food in many regions of China, particularly in northern areas.

When to use 馒

When using the word 馒, it is often paired with other terms to specify types, such as 馒头 (mán tóu) for plain steamed buns. Be cautious with pronunciation, as confusing it with similar-sounding words can change meanings, especially in informal contexts where slang may arise.

馒 or something close to it

馒 (mán) vs 包 (bāo) — use 馒 when referring specifically to steamed buns, while 包 generally refers to any type of filled bun.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 馒 (mán) with 饅 (mán), which refers to a different style of bun. A common error is using the wrong tone, such as saying 'mang' instead of 'mán', which could lead to misunderstandings.

Write 馒

馒

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

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Grammar Patterns of 馒

馒 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 2 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

刚出锅的____头真热火.

The steamed buns fresh from the steamer were nice and warm.

Example Sentences for 馒 (2)

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1
刚出锅的馒头真热火.

gāng chū guō de mán tóu zhēn rè huǒ.

The steamed buns fresh from the steamer were nice and warm.
2
馒头,米粥.

mán tóu, , mǐ.

Steamed bread and rice porridge.
Exercise 1 of 1

Rebuild it

Rebuild it: “The steamed buns fresh from the steamer were nice and warm.”

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Word Family of 馒

Words Containing This Character2
馒头mántousteamed roll饅頭
馒mánsteamed bread饅
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 馒

What does 馒头 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 馒

馒头 (mán tóu) is a plain steamed bun, while 包子 (bāo zi) is a steamed bun typically filled with meat or vegetables.

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