Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
弥(彌)mí(mi2)
The character 弥 (mí) conveys the idea of fullness or completeness. It is often used in contexts where something is brimming or overflowing, suggesting an abundance or an extensive degree. This term can also imply a sense of thoroughness or totality in certain situations.
Strokes8Radical弓Frequency#5974DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of fullness is often associated with prosperity and abundance. For example, during festivals, families aim for abundant meals, highlighting the significance of being 'full' in both a physical and metaphorical sense.
Memory Tip
Think of 弥 as a 'mixture' of fullness and completeness. The left part (弓) resembles a bow, which can be filled with arrows, while the right part (米) symbolizes rice, a staple food that fills our stomachs. Together, they remind us of the fullness of a hearty meal.
Meanings of 弥
mí(mi2)
1full
2to fill
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 弥
弥Simplified
彌Traditional
8Strokes
弓Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5974Frequency Rank
Podcast: 弥
Podcast: 弥
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 弥
Quick Contrast
弥 (mí) vs 满 (mǎn) — use 弥 for a more abstract sense of fullness or completeness, while 满 emphasizes physical fullness or being full to capacity.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 弥 as a 'mixture' of fullness and completeness. The left part (弓) resembles a bow, which can be filled with arrows, while the right part (米) symbolizes rice, a staple food that fills our stomachs. Together, they remind us of the fullness of a hearty meal.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 弥 with similar-sounding characters. It is primarily used in formal contexts, so be mindful of the setting. Common collocations include 弥补 (mí bǔ - to make up for) and 弥漫 (mí màn - to pervade). Pay attention to the pronunciation to avoid mixing it with other tones.
HSK Study Tips
While 弥 is not part of the official HSK levels, it shares similarities with words at HSK 5 and above that convey depth and fullness, such as 满 (mǎn - full) or 充实 (chōng shí - substantial). Focus on understanding its usage in idiomatic expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of fullness is often associated with prosperity and abundance. For example, during festivals, families aim for abundant meals, highlighting the significance of being 'full' in both a physical and metaphorical sense.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 弥 with the character 迷 (mí - to be lost), leading to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying '我弥路了' (wǒ mí lù le - I filled the road) is incorrect; it should be '我迷路了' (wǒ mí lù le - I got lost).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弥
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 弥 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 弥 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 弥
弥 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 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
有报道称首都____漫着不满的情绪。
There are reports of widespread dis-content in the capital.
Within minutes the hall was full of choking smoke.
9
木柴冒出的烟把亮着灯的大房间弄得烟雾弥漫。
mù chái mào chū de yān bǎ liàng zháo dēng de dà fáng jiān nòng dé yān wù mí màn。
The large lamplit room was murky with woodsmoke.
10
他读了一节弥尔顿的诗。
tā dú le yī jié mí ěr dùn de shī。
He reads a passage from Milton.
Cultural Notes for 弥
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of fullness is often associated with prosperity and abundance. For example, during festivals, families aim for abundant meals, highlighting the significance of being 'full' in both a physical and metaphorical sense.
Word Family of 弥
Compounds1
猕mi2macacus monkey
Words Containing This Character19
弥补míbǔto complement彌補
弥mífull彌
弥漫mímànto pervade彌漫
阿弥陀佛Amitabha Buddha阿彌陀佛
弥撒(Catholic) Mass彌撒
弥赛亚Messiah彌賽亞
弥散to dissipate everywhere (of light, sound, gas etc)彌散
弥勒Mile county in Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture, Yunnan彌勒
弥留seriously ill and about to die彌留
弥合to cause a wound to close up and heal彌合
弥陀abbr. for 阿彌陀佛|阿弥陀佛彌陀
欲盖弥彰trying to hide it makes it more conspicuous (idiom); A cover up only makes matters worse.欲蓋彌彰
须弥Mt Meru or Sumeru, sacred mountain in Buddhist and Jain tradition須彌
弥留之际on one's deathbed彌留之際
弥勒佛Maitreya彌勒佛
沙弥novice Buddhist monk沙彌
弥足珍贵valuable彌足珍貴
弥天filling the entire sky彌天
弥天大谎a pack of lies (idiom)彌天大謊
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 猕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 弥
Common phrases include 弥补 (mí bǔ - to make up for) and 弥漫 (mí màn - to pervade), which both highlight the concept of fullness or thoroughness.
The correct pronunciation is mí, with the second tone, which means it has a rising intonation.
Yes, while it is more formal, it can still be used in everyday conversation when discussing topics related to fullness or completeness.
