Meanings of 毋
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About 毋
Podcast: 毋
Podcast: 毋
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AI study notes for 毋
Learners often confuse 毋 with the more common negation 不 (bù). While 毋 is mainly used in formal or literary contexts, 不 is used in everyday speech. Be cautious with tone pronunciation; 毋 is pronounced with a rising tone, distinct from 不's falling tone.
Although 毋 is not included in the HSK, it shares the concept of negation with other HSK words. Focus on understanding its use in context, especially in classical literature, to enhance your reading skills.
Learners often mistakenly use 毋 in casual conversation instead of 不, like saying 毋去 (wú qù) instead of 不去 (bù qù) for 'not going'. Another common mistake is confusing its literary use with modern spoken language.
Pronunciation of 毋
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Jason Explains 毋 to you
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Learning Lab
Knowing 毋 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 毋
Originally written and pronounced the same as 母 (mother). Later it was slightly altered so the two characters could be distinguished.
How to say surname Wu in Chinese
“surname Wu” in Chinese is毋
The character 毋 (wú) is primarily used to express negation, similar to 'not' or 'do not' in English. It can also function as a surname, particularly the surname Wu, and can denote the absence of something, translating to 'to not have' or 'nobody'. This character is often found in classical texts and formal contexts.
When to use 毋
Learners often confuse 毋 with the more common negation 不 (bù). While 毋 is mainly used in formal or literary contexts, 不 is used in everyday speech. Be cautious with tone pronunciation; 毋 is pronounced with a rising tone, distinct from 不's falling tone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 毋 in casual conversation instead of 不, like saying 毋去 (wú qù) instead of 不去 (bù qù) for 'not going'. Another common mistake is confusing its literary use with modern spoken language.
Write 毋
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Practice writing 毋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 毋
毋 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 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.
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____庸置疑他还会再犯的。
There can be little doubt that he will offend again.
Example sentences for 毋 (3)
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Word Family of 毋
Words with 毋
What does 宁缺毋滥 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 毋
No, 毋 is more commonly found in formal writing and classical texts rather than in everyday spoken Chinese.
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