Meanings of 耄
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About 耄
Podcast: 耄
Podcast: 耄
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AI Study Notes for 耄
Common mistakes include confusing 耄 with other age-related words like 老 (lǎo) which is more general for 'old'. This term is more formal and respectful, often found in literary contexts rather than casual conversations. Be careful with pronunciation, as tonal errors can lead to misunderstandings.
Although 耄 is not included in the HSK levels, it relates to vocabulary about age and respect for elders, which is important in HSK studies. Students should focus on recognizing it alongside other age descriptors like 老人 (lǎorén) and 长辈 (zhǎngbèi).
Learners often confuse 耄 with 老 (lǎo), using it too casually. For example, saying '我觉得他很耄' (wǒ juéde tā hěn mào) to mean 'I think he is very old' is incorrect; it should be reserved for respectful contexts.
Pronunciation of 耄
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Etymology of 耄
old
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 耄
- 1The meaning half老 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half毛 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayold
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 耄? 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
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Decomposition of 耄
Identify the Components
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How to say selderly person; old, senile in Chinese
“selderly person; old, senile” in Chinese is耄
The character 耄 (mào) refers to an elderly person, specifically someone who is very old, often in their 80s or 90s. It carries connotations of being senile or extremely aged, and is typically used in a respectful context to acknowledge the wisdom that comes with advanced age.
When to use 耄
Common mistakes include confusing 耄 with other age-related words like 老 (lǎo) which is more general for 'old'. This term is more formal and respectful, often found in literary contexts rather than casual conversations. Be careful with pronunciation, as tonal errors can lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 耄 with 老 (lǎo), using it too casually. For example, saying '我觉得他很耄' (wǒ juéde tā hěn mào) to mean 'I think he is very old' is incorrect; it should be reserved for respectful contexts.
Write 耄
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Practice writing 耄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 耄
Compound Meaning
What does 耄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 耄
No, 耄 is more commonly found in written or formal contexts rather than everyday speech.
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