curtain, screen, tent; measure word for plays and shows
HSK 7, q, 13 strokes, radical 巾, rank #3246, Hard
mù(mu4) T4
1curtain or screen
2canopy or tent
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March 24, 2026
幕mù(mu4)
The character 幕 (mù) primarily means 'curtain' or 'screen,' often used in theatrical contexts to refer to the curtain that separates the stage from the audience. It can also denote a canopy or tent and is used as a measure word for plays and shows. Additionally, it has historical connotations, referring to the headquarters of a general in ancient times.
Strokes13Radical巾Frequency#3246DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese theater, the curtain (幕) plays a crucial role, not only in transitioning between acts but also in creating a sense of anticipation and drama. The concept of the curtain is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of storytelling.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand theater where the 'm' in 幕 stands for 'main stage' and the 'ù' looks like a curtain drawn to reveal a performance. Picture a curtain billowing in the wind, representing the unfolding of a story as the play begins.
Meanings of 幕
mù(mu4)
1curtain or screen
2canopy or tent
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 幕
幕Simplified
13Strokes
巾Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#3246Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 幕
Podcast: 幕
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AI Study Notes for 幕
Quick Contrast
帷 (wéi) - use 幕 (mù) for theatrical curtains or screens, while 帷 (wéi) refers to curtains that enclose or provide privacy.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand theater where the 'm' in 幕 stands for 'main stage' and the 'ù' looks like a curtain drawn to reveal a performance. Picture a curtain billowing in the wind, representing the unfolding of a story as the play begins.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 幕 with similar characters such as 目 (mù, 'eye') due to their phonetic similarity. It is generally used in both formal and informal settings, but is most commonly found in discussions about theater and performances. Avoid using it in contexts unrelated to screens or curtains.
HSK Study Tips
Although 幕 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it can be connected to other related terms in the arts and performance domain, such as 表演 (biǎoyǎn, 'performance') and 剧 (jù, 'drama'). Focus on using 幕 in phrases related to theater to enhance vocabulary retention.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese theater, the curtain (幕) plays a crucial role, not only in transitioning between acts but also in creating a sense of anticipation and drama. The concept of the curtain is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of storytelling.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 幕 when referring to general curtains in homes, where 窗帘 (chuānglián, 'curtain') would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我买了一个幕' (Wǒ mǎile yīgè mù) is incorrect; instead, use '我买了一个窗帘'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 幕
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Grammar Patterns of 幕
幕 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 8 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
Complete the Sentence
我认为他就是这起凶杀案的____后主使。
It's my bet that he's the guy behind this killing.
Example Sentences for 幕 (10)
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1
我认为他就是这起凶杀案的幕后主使。
wǒ rèn wéi tā jiù shì zhè qǐ xiōng shā àn de mù hòu zhǔ shǐ。
It's my bet that he's the guy behind this killing.
Behind the scenes, Parsons clashed with almost everyone on the show.
7
他所目睹的那一幕永久性地影响了他的神智。
tā suǒ mù dǔ de nà yī mù yǒng jiǔ xìng dì yǐng xiǎng le tā de shén zhì。
His reason had been permanently affected by what he had witnessed.
8
我的大脑疯狂地运转，把那晚发生的事情飞快地一幕幕重演。
wǒ de dà nǎo fēng kuáng dì yùn zhuǎn， ， bǎ nà wǎn fā shēng de shì qíng fēi kuài dì yī mù mù zhòng。
My mind was working frantically, running over the events of the evening.
9
他永远无法摆脱威尔公园里的那一幕。
tā yǒng yuǎn wú fǎ bǎi tuō wēi ěr gōng yuán lǐ de nà yī mù。
He would always be haunted by that scene in Well Park.
10
那是怪诞的一幕。
nà shì guài dàn de yī mù。
It was a bizarre scene.
Cultural Notes for 幕
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese theater, the curtain (幕) plays a crucial role, not only in transitioning between acts but also in creating a sense of anticipation and drama. The concept of the curtain is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of storytelling.
Word Family of 幕
Compounds3
羃
冪mi4cover-cloth; exponent, power
濗
Words Containing This Character20
幕mùcanopy or tent
屏幕píngmùscreen (TV, computer or movie)
幕后mùhòubehind the scenes幕後
开幕kāimùto inaugurate開幕
开幕式kāimùshìopening ceremony開幕式
内幕nèimùinside story內幕
字幕zìmùcaption
帷幕heavy curtain
序幕xùmùprologue
闭幕bìmùthe curtain falls閉幕
银幕yínmùmovie screen銀幕
落幕the curtain drops
揭幕opening
夜幕curtain of night
幕僚aids and advisors of top officials
幕府administration of a military government
谢幕to take a curtain call謝幕
荧幕TV screen熒幕
闭幕式bìmùshìclosing ceremony閉幕式
黑幕hidden details
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 冪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 幕
The character 幕 (mù) has several meanings, including 'curtain,' 'screen,' 'canopy,' or 'tent.' In addition, it is used in a military context to refer to a general's headquarters and in theater to denote an act or scene. Each meaning is context-dependent.
In Chinese, you can use 幕 (mù) in sentences such as '拉上幕' (lā shàng mù), meaning 'pull up the curtain.' It can also appear in phrases related to theater, like '幕间休息' (mù jiān xiū xí), which means 'intermission.' Understanding its context helps in using it appropriately.
In theater, 幕 (mù) is used to describe an 'act' or 'scene' in a play. Phrases like '幕布' (mù bù), meaning 'stage curtain,' are common in this context. Knowing this usage can enhance your understanding of Chinese drama and performance arts.
幕 (mù) typically means 'curtain' or 'screen' in Chinese. It can also refer to a 'canopy' or 'tent,' and in a theatrical context, it signifies an 'act' of a play. This character is used in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.
幕 refers specifically to a curtain or screen, particularly in theatrical contexts, while 帷 generally denotes a curtain used for privacy or as a partition.
Yes, 幕 can be used in everyday conversation when discussing plays or performances, but it is less common in casual settings.
Yes, you can use 幕 as a measure word for acts or scenes in a play, such as 一幕 (yī mù) meaning 'one act'.
