Meanings of 貓
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 貓
Podcast: 貓
Podcast: 貓
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 貓
狗 (gǒu) - use 貓 when referring specifically to cats, while 狗 refers to dogs.
Imagine a fluffy cat perched on a throne, wearing a crown made of gold (the character 貓). The left part, 貝 (bèi), looks like a treasure, reminding you that cats are often treated like royalty in many homes. The right part, 猫, sounds like 'māo', which you can remember by picturing a cat meowing.
When using the word 貓, it's important to remember that it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include '小貓' (kitten) and '貓咪' (a more affectionate term for cat). A common mistake is to forget the tone; 'māo' with the first tone means 'cat', while 'mào' with the fourth tone means 'to fur' or 'to cast off', which can lead to confusion.
Although 貓 is not currently listed in the HSK vocabulary, it is essential for beginners as it relates to common pets. Students should focus on pronunciation and recognizing the character's radicals, especially the left side (貝) that indicates its connection to value or worth.
Cats hold a special place in Chinese culture, often symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. In traditional Chinese beliefs, having a cat at home is thought to attract wealth and happiness.
Learners often confuse 貓 with the character for 'dog' (狗, gǒu) due to similar contexts. Remember, 貓 is for cats, while 狗 refers to dogs. Another mistake is mispronouncing the tone; ensure you say 'māo' with the first tone to mean 'cat'.
Pronunciation of 貓
Drill the tone of 貓 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 貓
Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 苗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貓.
badger
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 貓?
Decomposition of 貓
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 貓?
Write 貓
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 貓 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 貓
貓 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
____沿着小路轻步而行.
The cat padded silently along the track.
Example Sentences for 貓 (1)
Reorder the Sentence
The cat padded silently along the track.
Cultural Notes for 貓
Cats hold a special place in Chinese culture, often symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. In traditional Chinese beliefs, having a cat at home is thought to attract wealth and happiness.
Word Family of 貓
Compound Meaning
What does 猫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 貓
In Mandarin, 'cat' is pronounced as 貓 (māo).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 貓?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.