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
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 漠 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 漠 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 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.
Of all the lazy, indifferent, unbusinesslike attitudes to have!
3
她身上透着一股冷漠，让他不寒而栗。
tā shēn shàng tòu zháo yī gǔ lěng mò， ， ràng tā bù hán ér。
There was a coldness in her that chilled him.
4
他漠然而漫无目标地注视着不远处。
tā mò rán ér màn wú mù biāo dì zhù shì zháo bù yuǎn chǔ。
He stares detachedly into the middle distance, towards nothing in particular.
5
弗兰克·马里亚诺驾驶他那辆破烂不堪的皮卡车成功穿越了沙漠地带。
fú lán kè· · mǎ lǐ yà nuò jià shǐ tā nà liàng pò làn bù kān de pí kǎ chē chéng gōng chuān yuè le shā mò dì。
Frank Mariano negotiates the desert terrain in his battered pickup.
6
“那并不要紧，”坦奇漠然地说。
“ “ nà bìng bù yào，” jǐn ，” tǎn qí mò rán。
"Not that it matters," said Tench indifferently.
7
只有乘直升机才能进入那遥远的荒漠地区。
zhī yǒu chéng zhí shēng jī cái néng jìn rù nà yáo yuǎn de huāng mò dì qū。
The remote desert area is accessible only by helicopter.
8
严肃、严谨、倔强的他同时又冷漠、多疑、敏感、不会变通。
yán sù、 、 yán、 jǐn 、 jué qiáng de tā tóng shí yòu、 lěng mò、 、 duō、 yí 、 mǐn gǎn。
Formal, exact and obstinate, he was also cold, suspicious, touchy and tactless.
9
她曾随口提到过，当时她的冷漠很让他吃惊。
tā zēng suí kǒu tí dào guò， ， dāng shí tā de lěng mò hěn ràng tā chī。
She'd mentioned it casually once, surprising him by her unconcern.
10
现在是肥沃土地的地方在很久很久以前曾是一片片沙漠。
xiàn zài shì féi wò tǔ dì de dì fāng zài hěn jiǔ hěn jiǔ yǐ qián zēng shì yī piàn piàn shā mò。
Aeons ago, there were deserts where there is now fertile land.
Cultural Notes for 漠
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 漠
Words Containing This Character20
沙漠shāmòdesert
冷漠lěngmòlack of regard
漠视to ignore漠視
漠不关心not the least bit concerned漠不關心
荒漠barren
淡漠apathetic
大漠desert
漠mòdesert
漠然mòránindifferent
荒漠化desertification
沙漠化desertification
漠北Outer Mongolia (lit. north of the Gobi Desert)
撒哈拉沙漠Sahara Desert
漠河Mohe county in Daxing'anling prefecture 大興安嶺地區|大兴安岭地区, Heilongjiang
塔克拉玛干沙漠Taklamakan Desert, Xinjiang塔克拉瑪干沙漠
戈壁沙漠Gobi Desert
腾格里沙漠Tengger Desert騰格里沙漠
漠南Inner Mongolia (lit. south of the Gobi Desert)
广漠vast and empty廣漠
漠河县Mohe county in Daxing'anling prefecture 大興安嶺地區|大兴安岭地区, Heilongjiang漠河縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 沙漠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 漠
You can use 漠不关心 (mò bù guān xīn) to express that someone is indifferent or doesn't care.
It is less common in casual speech and more often found in literature or formal writing.
The correct pronunciation is 'mò,' with a falling tone.
