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

幂(冪)mì(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.

Strokes12Radical冖Frequency#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

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

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 幂

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

Podcast: 幂

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Podcast: 幂

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AI Study Notes for 幂

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.

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 幂

  1. 1The giveawayA cover 冖 cloth 巾; 冖 also provides the pronunciation
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 幂? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 幂?

Decomposition of 幂

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

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 幂?

How to say cover-cloth; exponent, power in Chinese

“cover-cloth; exponent, power” in Chinese is幂mì

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.

When to use 幂

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).

What learners get wrong

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.

Write 幂

幂

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 幂

Words Containing This Character3
幂mìpower冪
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.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 幂?

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