HSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #9735, Hard
脉
mò
arteries and veins
HSK 6, ng, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #9735, Hard
脉
mò
vein (on a leaf, insect wing etc)
HSK 6, ng, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #9735, Hard
脉
mò
a pulse; arteries, veins; blood vessels
HSK 6, ng, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #9735, Hard
脉
mò
old variant of 脈
HSK 6, ng, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #9735, Hard
脉
mò
old variant of 脈|脉[mai4]
HSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #9735, Hard
mài(mai4)mai
primary
T4
1arteries and veins
2vein (on a leaf, insect wing etc)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
脉(䘑)mài(mai4)
The character 脉 (mài) primarily refers to blood vessels, such as arteries and veins, as well as the pulse. It also denotes veins observed on leaves or insect wings. This character is commonly used in medical contexts, particularly discussions related to circulation and anatomy.
Strokes9Radical⺼Frequency#9735DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese medicine, the concept of '脉' is crucial as it relates to diagnosing health through pulse reading. This practice reflects the holistic view of health in Chinese culture, where the pulse indicates not just blood flow but overall well-being.
Memory Tip
Imagine a heartbeat (脉) that travels through arteries and veins. The character's left side, with a 'flesh' radical (肉), suggests its connection to the body, while the right side resembles a flowing river, symbolizing blood flow.
Meanings of 脉
mài(mai4)
primary
1arteries and veins
2vein (on a leaf, insect wing etc)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 脉 means.
About 脉
脉Simplified
䘑Traditional
9Strokes
⺼Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#9735Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 脉
Podcast: 脉
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AI Study Notes for 脉
Quick Contrast
脉 (mài) vs 血管 (xuèguǎn) — use 脉 when referring to pulse or veins in a broader context, while 血管 specifically denotes blood vessels.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 脉 (mài) has a fourth tone, which can be confused with other similar-sounding characters. It is often used in formal contexts, such as medical discussions. Common collocations include phrases related to health and anatomy, like '脉搏' (pulse).
HSK Study Tips
Though 脉 is not included in the current HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to other medical terms and words dealing with the body, which could be beneficial for learners interested in health-related topics. Focus on recognizing its usage in context.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 脉 (mài) with other characters that have similar pronunciations but different meanings. For example, mixing it up with 买 (mǎi, to buy) due to tonal errors can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 脉
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How Well Do You Know 脉?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 脉 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.
The character 脉 (mài) primarily refers to blood vessels, such as arteries and veins, as well as the pulse. It also denotes veins observed on leaves or insect wings. This character is commonly used in medical contexts, particularly discussions related to circulation and anatomy.
When to use 脉
Be cautious with the tone; 脉 (mài) has a fourth tone, which can be confused with other similar-sounding characters. It is often used in formal contexts, such as medical discussions. Common collocations include phrases related to health and anatomy, like '脉搏' (pulse).
脉 or something close to it
脉 (mài) vs 血管 (xuèguǎn) — use 脉 when referring to pulse or veins in a broader context, while 血管 specifically denotes blood vessels.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 脉 (mài) with other characters that have similar pronunciations but different meanings. For example, mixing it up with 买 (mǎi, to buy) due to tonal errors can lead to misunderstandings.
Write 脉
脉
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Practice writing 脉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 脉
脉 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 5 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他们给我量了____搏、血压，还给我的下颌拍了X光片。
They took my pulse, took my blood pressure, and X-rayed my jaw.
Example Sentences for 脉 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们给我量了脉搏、血压，还给我的下颌拍了X光片。
tā mén gěi wǒ liáng le mài bó、 、 xiě， yā ， huán gěi wǒ de xià héX pāi le。
They took my pulse, took my blood pressure, and X-rayed my jaw.
