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咪 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
咪
mī
a cat's meow; a meter
n, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #1833, Medium
咪
mī
sound for calling a cat
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #1833, Medium
mī(mi1)mi T1
1a cat's meow; a meter
2sound for calling a cat
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March 24, 2026
咪mī(mi1)
The character 咪 (mī) primarily refers to the sound a cat makes, similar to 'meow' in English. It can also denote a specific measurement called a 'meter' in certain contexts, particularly in informal speech. This character is often used in playful or affectionate contexts when talking about cats.
Strokes9Radical口Frequency#1833DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, cats are often associated with companionship and playfulness, making the term 咪 commonly used among pet owners when referring to their cats. Additionally, the sound of a cat meowing is a familiar and endearing part of daily life in many Chinese households.
Memory tip
Think of a cat saying '咪' (mī) as it meows, emphasizing the sound it makes. Imagine a cat with a tiny measuring tape around its neck, indicating that '咪' can also refer to a meter. Visualize the cat calling out to you, making it memorable.
Meanings of 咪
mī(mi1)
1a cat's meow; a meter
2sound for calling a cat
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 咪 means.
About 咪
咪Simplified
9Strokes
口Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 咪
Podcast: 咪
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AI study notes for 咪
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 咪 with other animal sounds or use it in overly formal contexts. It is informal and best used in casual conversations, particularly among cat lovers. Be cautious with tone, as the first tone (mī) is crucial for the correct pronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 咪 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects with other animal sounds and informal expressions in early HSK levels. Students should focus on pronunciation and context, as these are key to using the word correctly.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 咪 with other similar-sounding words, such as 媚 (mèi) which means 'charming.' For example, saying '我喜欢咪猫' (Wǒ xǐhuān mì māo) instead of '我喜欢咪的猫' (Wǒ xǐhuān mī de māo) can lead to confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 咪
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 咪 is seven skills, not one.
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.
咪 = 口 + 米. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 咪
IDS Structure⿰口米
咪Full character
=
口kou3
left
米Mi3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 咪?
How to say a cat's meow; a meter in Chinese
“a cat's meow; a meter” in Chinese is咪mī
The character 咪 (mī) primarily refers to the sound a cat makes, similar to 'meow' in English. It can also denote a specific measurement called a 'meter' in certain contexts, particularly in informal speech. This character is often used in playful or affectionate contexts when talking about cats.
When to use 咪
Learners often confuse 咪 with other animal sounds or use it in overly formal contexts. It is informal and best used in casual conversations, particularly among cat lovers. Be cautious with tone, as the first tone (mī) is crucial for the correct pronunciation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 咪 with other similar-sounding words, such as 媚 (mèi) which means 'charming.' For example, saying '我喜欢咪猫' (Wǒ xǐhuān mì māo) instead of '我喜欢咪的猫' (Wǒ xǐhuān mī de māo) can lead to confusion.
Write 咪
咪
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Practice writing 咪 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 咪
咪 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 5
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
