Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
猸méi(mei2)
The character 猸 (méi) refers to small carnivorous mammals such as badgers, ferrets, and mongooses. It is not commonly used in everyday language but is recognized in specific contexts related to wildlife or zoology. Understanding this character can enhance your vocabulary when discussing animal species in Chinese.
Strokes12Radical犭Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the badger and similar animals are often associated with rural life and nature. They can symbolize resilience and adaptability, reflecting how these creatures thrive in various environments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'me' (méi) in a forest where badgers dig their burrows. The character 猸 has the 'dog' radical 犭, which relates to animals, helping you remember it represents a type of animal. Visualizing a badger with its distinctive shape will help solidify the connection.
Meanings of 猸
méi(mei2)
1badger, ferret, mongoose
2used for ferret, badger or mongoose
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 猸
猸Simplified
12Strokes
犭Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 猸
Podcast: 猸
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 猸
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'me' (méi) in a forest where badgers dig their burrows. The character 猸 has the 'dog' radical 犭, which relates to animals, helping you remember it represents a type of animal. Visualizing a badger with its distinctive shape will help solidify the connection.
Usage Notes
This character is more formal and is typically found in texts related to biology or wildlife. Learners might confuse it with similar-sounding characters or those with related meanings, so pay close attention to context. Common collocations include phrases about animal habitats or behaviors.
HSK Study Tips
While 猸 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be linked to animal-related vocabulary that appears in lower levels. Students should focus on recognizing the radical 犭, as it frequently appears in other animal names, aiding in vocabulary expansion.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the badger and similar animals are often associated with rural life and nature. They can symbolize resilience and adaptability, reflecting how these creatures thrive in various environments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 猸 with similar characters like 獴 (máng), which also refers to a type of mongoose. Ensure you use 猸 specifically when talking about badgers or ferrets to avoid ambiguity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 猸
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 猸 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 猸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 猸
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the badger and similar animals are often associated with rural life and nature. They can symbolize resilience and adaptability, reflecting how these creatures thrive in various environments.
Word Family of 猸
Words Containing This Character2
猸méivariant of 獴 mongoose
猸子mongoose
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 猸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 猸
It is pronounced as 'méi' with a rising tone.
You would use 猸 when discussing specific types of carnivorous mammals in a scientific or educational context.
No, it is more specialized and less likely to be used in casual conversations.