Meanings of 貓
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About 貓
Podcast: 貓
Podcast: 貓
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AI Study Notes for 貓
狗 (gǒu) - use 貓 when referring specifically to cats, while 狗 refers to dogs.
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.
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
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Etymology of 貓
Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 苗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貓.
badger
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 貓
Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 苗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貓.
- 1The meaning half豸 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half苗 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaybadger
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 貓? 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 貓?
Decomposition of 貓
Identify the Components
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How to say cat in Chinese
“cat” in Chinese is貓
The character 貓 (māo) means 'cat' in Mandarin. It refers specifically to the domesticated feline animal that is often kept as a pet. In various contexts, this character can also evoke notions of independence and gracefulness, as cats are known for their agile movements and aloof personalities.
When to use 貓
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.
貓 or something close to it
狗 (gǒu) - use 貓 when referring specifically to cats, while 狗 refers to dogs.
What learners get wrong
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'.
Write 貓
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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.
Word Family of 貓
Compound Meaning
What does 猫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 貓
In Mandarin, 'cat' is pronounced as 貓 (māo).
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