Meanings of 氓
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About 氓
Podcast: 氓
Podcast: 氓
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AI Study Notes for 氓
民 (mín) vs 氓 (máng) — use 民 for a more neutral or formal reference to the people or citizenry, while 氓 carries a connotation of commoners with less sophistication.
While 氓 itself is not commonly used in everyday conversation, learners should be cautious with its usage in literary contexts versus modern slang. It is often seen in historical texts or poetry, so using it in a contemporary context may sound formal or archaic. Ensure to distinguish it from 流氓 (liú máng) to avoid confusion.
Although 氓 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance comprehension of classical texts and idiomatic expressions at higher levels. Students should focus on its historical significance and connections to other characters related to social status.
Learners often confuse 氓 with 流氓 (liú máng) and mistakenly use it interchangeably in modern contexts. For example, saying '我有很多氓朋友' (I have many common friends) is incorrect; instead, use '朋友' (friends) without the term 氓.
Pronunciation of 氓
Drill the tone of 氓 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 氓
Phonosemantic compound. 民 represents the meaning and 亡 represents the sound.
citizens
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 氓
Phonosemantic compound. 民 represents the meaning and 亡 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half民 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half亡 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaycitizens
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 氓? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 氓?
Decomposition of 氓
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 氓?
How to say common people in Chinese
“common people” in Chinese is氓
The character 氓 (máng) refers to common people or subjects in ancient contexts, often denoting a sense of the general populace or commoners. It can also imply a certain lack of sophistication or refinement, particularly when used in the compound 流氓 (liú máng), which means 'hooligan' or 'rascal'. This term is often used in discussions about social classes or behaviors in historical literature.
When to use 氓
While 氓 itself is not commonly used in everyday conversation, learners should be cautious with its usage in literary contexts versus modern slang. It is often seen in historical texts or poetry, so using it in a contemporary context may sound formal or archaic. Ensure to distinguish it from 流氓 (liú máng) to avoid confusion.
氓 or something close to it
民 (mín) vs 氓 (máng) — use 民 for a more neutral or formal reference to the people or citizenry, while 氓 carries a connotation of commoners with less sophistication.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 氓 with 流氓 (liú máng) and mistakenly use it interchangeably in modern contexts. For example, saying '我有很多氓朋友' (I have many common friends) is incorrect; instead, use '朋友' (friends) without the term 氓.
Write 氓
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Practice writing 氓 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 氓
氓 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
还有其他形式的民众骚乱，最出名的是足球流____行为。
There are other forms of civil disorder — most notably, football hooliganism.
Example Sentences for 氓 (6)
Word Family of 氓
Compound Meaning
What does 流氓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 氓
In modern Chinese, 氓 is not commonly used on its own; it is more relevant in literary contexts or as part of the term 流氓, meaning 'hooligan'.
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