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March 24, 2026
摹mó(mo2)
The character 摹 (mó) primarily means 'to trace' or 'to imitate.' It is often used in contexts where one replicates a pattern or model, particularly in artistic or literary endeavors. The nuance of the word can imply a sense of precision in copying, suggesting that the imitation is not just superficial but aims to capture the essence of the original.
Strokes14Radical手Frequency#56230DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese art, the practice of 摹 is significant, especially in traditional painting where artists often trace or imitate the works of masters to learn their techniques. This practice reflects the cultural value placed on mastery through imitation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a painter (the radical 手 'shǒu' meaning hand) carefully tracing a beautiful piece of art. The 'mó' sounds like 'more,' so think of needing 'more' practice to master the art of imitation. Visualize the artist's hand moving delicately over the canvas to capture every detail.
Meanings of 摹
mó(mo2)
1to trace; to imitate, to copy; pattern
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 摹
摹Simplified
14Strokes
手Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 摹
Podcast: 摹
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AI Study Notes for 摹
Quick Contrast
临 (lín) - use 临 when referring to 'to copy' in the sense of writing or drawing directly from a model, while 摹 emphasizes tracing or imitating with precision.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a painter (the radical 手 'shǒu' meaning hand) carefully tracing a beautiful piece of art. The 'mó' sounds like 'more,' so think of needing 'more' practice to master the art of imitation. Visualize the artist's hand moving delicately over the canvas to capture every detail.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 摹 with its synonyms like 复制 (fùzhì), which means to reproduce or duplicate more broadly. This word is more specific to tracing or imitating in a detailed manner. It is generally used in more formal contexts, especially in art and literature.
HSK Study Tips
Although 摹 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it parallels words like 画 (huà, to draw) and 模仿 (mófǎng, to imitate). Students should focus on the context in which 摹 is used, particularly in artistic expressions, to better grasp its nuance.
Cultural Note
In Chinese art, the practice of 摹 is significant, especially in traditional painting where artists often trace or imitate the works of masters to learn their techniques. This practice reflects the cultural value placed on mastery through imitation.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 摹 in casual contexts where a more general term like 复制 (fùzhì) would be appropriate. For example, saying '我想摹这本书' (Wǒ xiǎng mó zhè běn shū) to mean 'I want to copy this book' is incorrect; instead, use 复制 (fùzhì).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 摹
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Grammar Patterns of 摹
摹 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. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
她通过描____旧故事书上的图画学会了画画。
She learned to draw by tracing pictures out of old storybooks.
Example Sentences for 摹 (3)
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1
她通过描摹旧故事书上的图画学会了画画。
tā tōng guò miáo mó jiù gù shì shū shàng de tú huà xué huì le huà huà。
She learned to draw by tracing pictures out of old storybooks.
Now draw or trace ten dinosaurs in ascending order of size.
3
到了吃晚饭的时候,华格把这件事大肆宣染,描摹得活灵活现.
dào le chī wǎn fàn de shí hòu, , huá gé bǎ zhè jiàn shì dà sì xuān, rǎn , miáo mó dé huó líng.
Wagg told the story at dinner very smartly, with wonderful accuracy of observation.
Cultural Notes for 摹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese art, the practice of 摹 is significant, especially in traditional painting where artists often trace or imitate the works of masters to learn their techniques. This practice reflects the cultural value placed on mastery through imitation.
Word Family of 摹
Words Containing This Character6
摹móto copy
临摹to copy (a model of calligraphy or painting etc)臨摹
摹仿to imitate
描摹to trace over
摹拟imitation摹擬
摹写to trace over摹寫
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 摹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 摹
You can say '他在摹写这幅画' (Tā zài móxiě zhè fú huà), meaning 'He is tracing this painting.'
It's more commonly used in formal or artistic contexts rather than everyday conversation.
While 摹 focuses on tracing or copying details, 模仿 emphasizes imitation in behavior or style.
