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March 24, 2026
玛(瑪)mǎ(ma3)
The character 玛 (mǎ) refers to a type of precious stone, specifically agate or cornelian. It is often used in the context of jewelry and decorative arts, signifying beauty and value. This character can also be found in names and titles that evoke elegance or preciousness.
Strokes7Radical王Frequency#4611DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, gemstones like 玛 represent not just beauty, but also protection and good fortune. They are often used in traditional jewelry worn during festivals and important life events.
Memory Tip
Think of 玛 (mǎ) as a 'marvelous gem.' The left side of the character resembles a mountain, suggesting the natural origins of gemstones. Imagine a beautiful agate stone sitting atop a mountain, sparkling in the sunlight, to remember its meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 玛
mǎ(ma3)
1agate, cornelian
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 玛 means.
About 玛
玛Simplified
瑪Traditional
7Strokes
王Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 玛
Podcast: 玛
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AI Study Notes for 玛
Usage Notes
玛 is commonly used in crafts, jewelry, and discussions about gemstones. Avoid confusing it with other similar characters, such as 码 (mǎ), which means 'code.' In formal contexts, it may be used in names of products or brands that emphasize luxury.
HSK Study Tips
Although 玛 is not included in the HSK levels, it complements other words related to stones and jewelry, such as 石 (shí) for 'stone' and 珠 (zhū) for 'pearl.' Students should focus on recognizing this character in context, especially in discussions of art and culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 玛 (mǎ) with 码 (mǎ), which means 'code.' Remember that 玛 specifically relates to gemstones, whereas 码 is about numerical codes or measures.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 玛
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How Well Do You Know 玛?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 玛 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
玛 = 王 + 马. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 玛
IDS Structure⿰王马
玛Full Character
=
王Wang2
left
马Ma3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 玛?
How to say agate, cornelian in Chinese
“agate, cornelian” in Chinese is玛mǎ
The character 玛 (mǎ) refers to a type of precious stone, specifically agate or cornelian. It is often used in the context of jewelry and decorative arts, signifying beauty and value. This character can also be found in names and titles that evoke elegance or preciousness.
When to use 玛
玛 is commonly used in crafts, jewelry, and discussions about gemstones. Avoid confusing it with other similar characters, such as 码 (mǎ), which means 'code.' In formal contexts, it may be used in names of products or brands that emphasize luxury.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 玛 (mǎ) with 码 (mǎ), which means 'code.' Remember that 玛 specifically relates to gemstones, whereas 码 is about numerical codes or measures.
Write 玛
玛
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Practice writing 玛 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 玛
玛 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
“给我来份烤金枪鱼吧，”____丽·安告诉侍者。
"I'll take the grilled tuna," Mary Ann told the waiter.
