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March 24, 2026
牧mù(Mu4)
The character 牧 (mù) primarily refers to the act of herding or tending to livestock, particularly sheep and cattle. It can also imply the role of a shepherd or someone who governs, particularly in historical contexts. In modern usage, it is often associated with agricultural practices and livestock management.
Strokes8Radical牛Frequency#16355DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, herding and livestock management have been essential for agrarian societies. The role of the shepherd is revered in literature and reflects the importance of agriculture in sustaining communities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shepherd (牧) standing on a hill, watching over his flock of sheep. The character looks like a person (the vertical line) with a staff (the horizontal line) guiding the animals below. This visual can help you remember both the meaning (to herd) and the pronunciation (mù).
Meanings of 牧
mù(Mu4)
1to herd
2to breed livestock
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 牧
牧Simplified
8Strokes
牛Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#16355Frequency Rank
Podcast: 牧
Podcast: 牧
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AI Study Notes for 牧
Quick Contrast
牧 (mù) vs 放 (fàng) — use 牧 when referring specifically to herding or tending livestock, while 放 is more general for releasing or letting go.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shepherd (牧) standing on a hill, watching over his flock of sheep. The character looks like a person (the vertical line) with a staff (the horizontal line) guiding the animals below. This visual can help you remember both the meaning (to herd) and the pronunciation (mù).
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 牧 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, such as '木' (mù, wood) or '目' (mù, eye). This character is more formal and is typically used in contexts related to agriculture or historical governance. Be aware that its usage may not be common in everyday casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As 牧 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on related terms like '牧羊' (mù yáng, to shepherd) or '牧场' (mù chǎng, ranch). Understanding these related terms can help build a stronger vocabulary around agricultural themes.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, herding and livestock management have been essential for agrarian societies. The role of the shepherd is revered in literature and reflects the importance of agriculture in sustaining communities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 牧 with related terms like '牧场' (mù chǎng) and '牧羊' (mù yáng) and may incorrectly use them interchangeably. Ensure to use the correct term based on context, such as using '牧羊' specifically for shepherding activities.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 牧
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Grammar Patterns of 牧
牧 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 6 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
你是专家，而我是个能力有限的愚笨____师。
I'm a limited and obtuse clergyman while you're the expert.
Example Sentences for 牧 (10)
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1
你是专家，而我是个能力有限的愚笨牧师。
nǐ shì zhuān jiā， ， ér wǒ shì gè néng lì yǒu xiàn de yú bèn mù。
I'm a limited and obtuse clergyman while you're the expert.
2
她听到楼梯上传来牧师那熟悉的单调脚步声。
tā tīng dào lóu tī shàng chuán lái mù shī nà shú xī de dān tiáo jiǎo bù shēng。
She heard the priest's familiar, flat footfall on the staircase.
3
只要她在那一带，她总会去拜访教区牧师。
zhī yào tā zài nà yī dài， ， tā zǒng huì qù bài fǎng jiào qū mù。
She always called at the vicarage whenever she was in the area.
The parson, heading the procession, had just turned right towards the churchyard.
5
69岁的牧师幸免于难，只受了点皮肉伤。
69 69 suì de mù shī xìng miǎn yú， nán ， zhī shòu le diǎn pí。
The 69-year-old clergyman escaped with superficial wounds.
6
这次礼拜仪式是由吉姆·西蒙斯牧师大人主持的。
zhè cì lǐ bài yí shì shì yóu jí mǔ· · xī mēng sī mù shī dà rén zhǔ chí。
The service was led by the Reverend Jim Simons.
7
牧羊人把他们的羊群关入栏中.
mù yáng rén bǎ tā mén de yáng qún guān rù lán zhōng.
Shepherds penned their flocks.
8
他深受震动，就问那个年轻的牧羊人叫什么名字。
tā shēn shòu zhèn dòng， ， jiù wèn nà gè nián qīng de mù yáng rén jiào shí mó míng。
He was so impressed that he inquired the young shepherd's name.
9
牧师请在场的妇女们和他一起祈祷。
mù shī qǐng zài cháng de fù nǚ mén hé tā yī qǐ qí dǎo。
The pastor requested the women present to join him in prayer.
10
一名牧师照着祈祷书念祷文。
yī míng mù shī zhào zháo qí dǎo shū niàn dǎo wén。
A clergyman read the liturgy from the prayer-book.
Cultural Notes for 牧
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, herding and livestock management have been essential for agrarian societies. The role of the shepherd is revered in literature and reflects the importance of agriculture in sustaining communities.
Word Family of 牧
Words Containing This Character20
牧师chaplain牧師
牧mùto herd
牧场mùchǎngpasture牧場
畜牧业animal husbandry畜牧業
畜牧xùmùto raise animals
牧民mùmínherdsman
牧羊shepherd
放牧to graze (livestock)
游牧nomadic遊牧
牧羊人shepherd
牧草pasture
牧业livestock husbandry牧業
牧羊犬sheepdog
牧人shepherd
牧野Muye district of Xinxiang city 新鄉市|新乡市[Xīnxiāngshì], Henan
牧童shepherd boy
牧歌pastoral
杜牧Du Mu (803-852) Tang dynasty poet
牧群herd of sheep
牧地pasture
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 牧师 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 牧
牧 can also mean to govern or refer to an old government official, reflecting historical roles in society.
You can say '他是一个牧羊人' (tā shì yī gè mù yáng rén), meaning 'He is a shepherd.'
While it relates to agriculture, its usage may be more prevalent in written or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
