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矛 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
矛
máo
spear
HSK 7, an, 5 strokes, radical 矛, rank #12947, Very Hard
矛
máo
lance
HSK 7, an, 5 strokes, radical 矛, rank #12947, Very Hard
矛
máo
pike
HSK 7, an, 5 strokes, radical 矛, rank #12947, Very Hard
máo(mao2)mao T2
1spear
2lance
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March 24, 2026
矛máo(mao2)
The character 矛 (máo) refers to a type of spear or lance, typically used in ancient Chinese warfare. It symbolizes a long, pointed weapon that is thrust or thrown, and can also metaphorically represent conflict or confrontation in a broader sense.
Strokes5Radical矛Frequency#12947DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese history, the spear (矛) was a significant weapon on the battlefield, often associated with martial valor. It also appears in classical literature and idioms, representing strength in conflict, such as in the phrase 'spear and shield' (矛与盾), which symbolizes opposing arguments.
Memory tip
Imagine a mighty warrior named Mao holding a sharp spear (矛) that glistens in the sun. The character's left side resembles the shape of a spearhead, while the right side suggests the strength of the warrior, reminding you that 'máo' is all about lances and strength.
Meanings of 矛
máo(mao2)
1spear
2lance
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 矛
矛Simplified
5Strokes
矛Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#12947Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 矛
Podcast: 矛
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AI study notes for 矛
Quick Contrast
矛 (máo) vs 刀 (dāo) — use 矛 specifically for a spear, while 刀 refers to a knife or sword.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 矛 (máo) with 头 (tóu), which means 'head' or 'top.' This word is more commonly used in historical or literary contexts, and may not be frequently used in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 矛与盾 (máo yǔ dùn), meaning 'spear and shield,' representing opposition.
HSK Study Tips
While 矛 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it may appear in texts related to history or literature. When studying, focus on its usage in idiomatic expressions and historical references, which can enhance your understanding of cultural contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 矛 (máo) with similar-sounding words like 毛 (máo), which means 'hair' or 'fur.' For example, saying '我有五个矛' (wǒ yǒu wǔ gè máo) when you mean 'I have five hairs' is incorrect; it should be '毛' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 矛
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The character 矛 (máo) refers to a type of spear or lance, typically used in ancient Chinese warfare. It symbolizes a long, pointed weapon that is thrust or thrown, and can also metaphorically represent conflict or confrontation in a broader sense.
When to use 矛
Be cautious not to confuse 矛 (máo) with 头 (tóu), which means 'head' or 'top.' This word is more commonly used in historical or literary contexts, and may not be frequently used in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 矛与盾 (máo yǔ dùn), meaning 'spear and shield,' representing opposition.
矛 or something close to it
矛 (máo) vs 刀 (dāo) — use 矛 specifically for a spear, while 刀 refers to a knife or sword.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 矛 (máo) with similar-sounding words like 毛 (máo), which means 'hair' or 'fur.' For example, saying '我有五个矛' (wǒ yǒu wǔ gè máo) when you mean 'I have five hairs' is incorrect; it should be '毛' instead.
Write 矛
矛
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Practice writing 矛 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 矛
矛 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
