HSK 7, ns, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #34773, Very Hard
漠
mò
unconcerned
HSK 7, ns, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #34773, Very Hard
漠
mò
desert; aloof, cool, indifferent
HSK 7, ns, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #34773, Very Hard
mò(mo4) T4
1desert
2unconcerned
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March 24, 2026
漠mò(mo4)
The character 漠 (mò) primarily means 'desert,' referring to arid, barren landscapes typically devoid of vegetation. It can also convey feelings of indifference or aloofness, often used to describe a person's demeanor or attitude that is cool and unconcerned about others. This dual meaning makes it versatile in both descriptive and emotional contexts.
Strokes13Radical氵Frequency#34773DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, deserts often symbolize solitude and introspection, reflecting the inner emotional landscape of characters, which connects to the meaning of being emotionally 'aloof' or 'indifferent.' This adds depth to the use of 漠 in poetry and storytelling.
Memory Tip
Imagine a vast desert (the meaning of 漠) where the sun is so bright that it makes everything look distant and indifferent. The left side of the character (氵) represents water, which is scarce in a desert, while the right side (莫) sounds like 'mock,' reminding you of how people might mock the aridness by being aloof in such a barren place.
Meanings of 漠
mò(mo4)
1desert
2unconcerned
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 漠
漠Simplified
13Strokes
氵Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#34773Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 漠
Podcast: 漠
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AI Study Notes for 漠
Quick Contrast
漠 (mò) vs 冷漠 (lěngmò) — use 漠 for describing a barren landscape or general indifference, while 冷漠 specifically emphasizes emotional coldness or apathy.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 漠 with similar characters that have different meanings or tones. It is more commonly used in literary contexts, so it may seem too formal in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 漠不关心 (indifferent) and 漠视 (disregard).
HSK Study Tips
Although 漠 is not included in HSK levels, it connects to the theme of nature found in lower levels, such as 山 (mountain) and 水 (water). Focus on recognizing the character's usage in more complex texts or poetry, where it may appear more frequently.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 漠 with related characters like 默 (mò, meaning 'silent'). For example, saying '我对这个问题是漠的' is incorrect; it should be '我对这个问题是默的,' meaning 'I am silent on this issue.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 漠
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Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 莫 represents the sound.
1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
2The sound half莫 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywater
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 漠? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 漠?
Decomposition of 漠
IDS Structure⿰氵莫
漠Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
莫Mo4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 漠?
How to say desert in Chinese
“desert” in Chinese is漠mò
The character 漠 (mò) primarily means 'desert,' referring to arid, barren landscapes typically devoid of vegetation. It can also convey feelings of indifference or aloofness, often used to describe a person's demeanor or attitude that is cool and unconcerned about others. This dual meaning makes it versatile in both descriptive and emotional contexts.
When to use 漠
Be careful not to confuse 漠 with similar characters that have different meanings or tones. It is more commonly used in literary contexts, so it may seem too formal in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 漠不关心 (indifferent) and 漠视 (disregard).
漠 or something close to it
漠 (mò) vs 冷漠 (lěngmò) — use 漠 for describing a barren landscape or general indifference, while 冷漠 specifically emphasizes emotional coldness or apathy.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 漠 with related characters like 默 (mò, meaning 'silent'). For example, saying '我对这个问题是漠的' is incorrect; it should be '我对这个问题是默的,' meaning 'I am silent on this issue.'
Write 漠
漠
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Practice writing 漠 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 漠
漠 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 3 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
英国男人常被认为是矜持而冷____的。
British men are often seen as being reserved and unemotional.
Common Confusions with 漠
漠vs莫
mò
Similar in pronunciation, but has a distinct meaning.
漠vs默
mò
Similar in pronunciation and shape, but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "desert"?
or
Example Sentences for 漠 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
英国男人常被认为是矜持而冷漠的。
yīng guó nán rén cháng bèi rèn wéi shì jīn chí ér lěng mò de。
British men are often seen as being reserved and unemotional.
