Meanings of 眸
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About 眸
Podcast: 眸
Podcast: 眸
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AI Study Notes for 眸
眼 (yǎn) — use 眸 (móu) for a more poetic or expressive description of the eye's depth, while 眼 (yǎn) is the general term for 'eye'.
While 眸 is used in more poetic or formal contexts, learners should avoid using it in everyday conversation, where simpler terms like 眼睛 (yǎnjing) are preferred. Be mindful of pronunciation, as a mispronunciation could lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
Although 眸 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK Level 4 terms related to vision, such as 眼 (yǎn) for 'eye.' Students should focus on understanding its nuances in literature and poetry to enrich their vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 眸 with 眼睛, using it inappropriately in casual contexts. For example, saying '我有很美的眸' (Wǒ yǒu hěn měi de móu) instead of '我有很美的眼睛' (Wǒ yǒu hěn měi de yǎnjing) is incorrect in everyday conversation.
Pronunciation of 眸
Drill the tone of 眸 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 眸
eye
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 眸
- 1The meaning half目 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half牟 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayeye
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 眸? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 眸?
Decomposition of 眸
Identify the Components
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How to say eye; pupil in Chinese
“eye; pupil” in Chinese is眸
The character 眸 (móu) refers to the pupil or the eye, particularly focusing on the deep, expressive aspect of the eye. It is often used in literary contexts to describe someone's gaze or the beauty of their eyes, conveying a sense of depth and emotion.
When to use 眸
While 眸 is used in more poetic or formal contexts, learners should avoid using it in everyday conversation, where simpler terms like 眼睛 (yǎnjing) are preferred. Be mindful of pronunciation, as a mispronunciation could lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
眸 or something close to it
眼 (yǎn) — use 眸 (móu) for a more poetic or expressive description of the eye's depth, while 眼 (yǎn) is the general term for 'eye'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 眸 with 眼睛, using it inappropriately in casual contexts. For example, saying '我有很美的眸' (Wǒ yǒu hěn měi de móu) instead of '我有很美的眼睛' (Wǒ yǒu hěn měi de yǎnjing) is incorrect in everyday conversation.
Write 眸
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Practice writing 眸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 眸
眸 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 2 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.
Complete the Sentence
她一袭天蓝色的真丝衬衫式连身裙，和她的双____颜色一样。
Her silk shirtdress was sky-blue, the colour of her eyes.
Example Sentences for 眸 (3)
Word Family of 眸
Compound Meaning
What does 眸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 眸
No, 眸 is more commonly found in literary or poetic contexts rather than in everyday speech.
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