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幂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
cover-cloth; exponent, powern, 12 strokes, radical 冖, rank #52178, Very Hard
exponent (math.)unknown, 12 strokes, radical 冖, rank #52178, Very Hard
to cover with a clothunknown, 12 strokes, radical 冖, rank #52178, Very Hard
cloth coverunknown, 12 strokes, radical 冖, rank #52178, Very Hard
veilunknown, 12 strokes, radical 冖, rank #52178, Very Hard
(mi4) T4
  1. 1cover-cloth; exponent, power
  2. 2exponent (math.)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(冪)(mi4)

The character 幂 (mì) primarily refers to the mathematical concept of an exponent or power, indicating how many times a number is multiplied by itself. Additionally, it can denote a cover or cloth, often used in contexts related to veils or coverings, though this usage is less common in contemporary language.

Strokes12RadicalFrequency#52178DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese mathematics education, understanding exponents is crucial, as they are frequently used in various calculations, reflecting China's emphasis on strong mathematical skills in its educational system.

Memory Tip

Imagine a magician (representing 'mì') who covers his assistant with a cloth to perform a trick, symbolizing how an exponent covers a base number in mathematics. The shape of 幂 resembles a covered figure, with the top 'cover' part emphasizing the concept of a veil or cloth.

Meanings of 幂

(mi4)
1cover-cloth; exponent, power
2exponent (math.)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 幂

Simplified
Traditional
12Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 幂

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 幂

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a magician (representing 'mì') who covers his assistant with a cloth to perform a trick, symbolizing how an exponent covers a base number in mathematics. The shape of 幂 resembles a covered figure, with the top 'cover' part emphasizing the concept of a veil or cloth.

Usage Notes

When using 幂 in mathematical contexts, be careful to differentiate it from similar terms, such as 底 (dǐ), which means 'base.' It's typically used in formal contexts like academic discussions. Common collocations include 'n次幂' (n-th power).

HSK Study Tips

While 幂 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, understanding this term can enhance comprehension of mathematical discussions in Chinese, particularly at higher levels. Focus on its application in mathematical phrases to connect with other related vocabulary.

Cultural Note

In Chinese mathematics education, understanding exponents is crucial, as they are frequently used in various calculations, reflecting China's emphasis on strong mathematical skills in its educational system.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 幂 with similar mathematical terms, such as 次方 (cìfāng), which also means exponent but is more commonly used in conversation. For example, saying '三的幂' instead of '三的次方' can sound unnatural.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 幂

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Etymology of 幂

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A cover 冖 cloth 巾; 冖 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 幂?

Decomposition of 幂

IDS Structure⿱冖⿱旲巾
Full Character
=
mi4
top
tai2
top
jin1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 幂?

Write 幂

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

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Cultural Notes for 幂

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese mathematics education, understanding exponents is crucial, as they are frequently used in various calculations, reflecting China's emphasis on strong mathematical skills in its educational system.

Word Family of 幂

Words Containing This Character3
power
幂级数power series (math.)冪級數
乘幂to exponentiate (math.)乘冪
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 幂 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 幂

It is pronounced as 'mì', with a falling tone.