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March 24, 2026
墨mò(Mo4)
The character 墨 (mò) primarily refers to ink, particularly traditional Chinese ink used for calligraphy and painting. It can also denote the surname Mo and is an abbreviation for Mexico (墨西哥). In historical contexts, it may refer to a form of corporal punishment involving tattooing characters on the forehead.
Strokes15Radical土Frequency#7925DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, ink (墨) is considered a vital part of calligraphy, which is highly respected as an art form. The production and use of traditional ink sticks are steeped in history, relating to the values of patience and craftsmanship.
Memory tip
Imagine a black cat (墨) sitting on a pile of ink, purring as it watches a painter create beautiful calligraphy. The cat's black color symbolizes ink, while the sound 'mò' can be remembered as the cat's soft 'meow'.
Meanings of 墨
mò(Mo4)
1ink stick
2China ink
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 墨 means.
About 墨
墨Simplified
15Strokes
土Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#7925Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 墨
Podcast: 墨
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AI study notes for 墨
Usage Notes
墨 is commonly used in artistic and literary contexts, especially related to calligraphy. Be cautious not to confuse it with the character for 'black' (黑 - hēi), as they represent different concepts. Remember that in formal writing, using 墨 for 'ink' may be more appropriate than in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
墨 is not specifically part of the HSK curriculum, but it connects to other HSK vocabulary related to writing and art. Focus on its usage in phrases related to art supplies and traditional practices to build a broader vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 墨 (ink) with 墨西哥 (Mexico) without context. For example, saying '我需要墨' (I need Mexico) instead of '我需要墨水' (I need ink) can lead to confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 墨
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Learning Lab
Knowing 墨 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.
The character 墨 (mò) primarily refers to ink, particularly traditional Chinese ink used for calligraphy and painting. It can also denote the surname Mo and is an abbreviation for Mexico (墨西哥). In historical contexts, it may refer to a form of corporal punishment involving tattooing characters on the forehead.
When to use 墨
墨 is commonly used in artistic and literary contexts, especially related to calligraphy. Be cautious not to confuse it with the character for 'black' (黑 - hēi), as they represent different concepts. Remember that in formal writing, using 墨 for 'ink' may be more appropriate than in casual conversation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 墨 (ink) with 墨西哥 (Mexico) without context. For example, saying '我需要墨' (I need Mexico) instead of '我需要墨水' (I need ink) can lead to confusion.
Write 墨
墨
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Grammar patterns of 墨
墨 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 7 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.
在新____西哥州，有各种各样的烹饪方法。
In New Mexico all kinds of cuisines are represented.
