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March 24, 2026
霉méi(mei2)
The character 霉 (méi) refers to mold, mildew, or rot, often associated with the growth of fungi or bacteria in damp environments. It is commonly used in contexts related to food spoilage or health concerns, particularly in humid climates where mold can thrive. In a broader sense, it can convey the idea of something being spoiled or degraded.
Strokes15Radical雨Frequency#7812DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the presence of mold (霉) in food can be a significant concern, especially in traditional practices of food preservation. Understanding this character can provide insight into the cultural attitudes towards food safety and hygiene.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'moldy' piece of bread that has a fuzzy green coating. The character 霉 has a 'rain' radical (雨) on top, suggesting moisture, which is essential for mold growth, while the bottom part (每) can remind you of 'every' instance of mold appearing in damp places.
Meanings of 霉
méi(mei2)
1bacteria
2fungi
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
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About 霉
霉Simplified
15Strokes
雨Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7812Frequency Rank
Podcast: 霉
Podcast: 霉
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AI Study Notes for 霉
Quick Contrast
霉 (mold) vs 腐 (fǔ, rot) — use 霉 for mold specifically related to dampness, while 腐 refers to decay in a broader context.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse 霉 (méi) with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is more often used in informal contexts related to food and health rather than in formal writing. Be cautious with the tone; using the wrong tone can lead to misunderstandings about mold (霉) versus 'every' (每).
HSK Study Tips
Although 霉 is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial for learners at the intermediate level (HSK 3-4) to understand its relation to topics about health and food. Students should focus on recognizing the character in context and its usage in discussions about spoilage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 霉 (méi) with 每 (měi), which means 'every.' An example of a mistake would be using 霉 in a context meant for 'every,' such as saying '霉天都要去' (méi tiān dōu yào qù) instead of '每天都要去' (měi tiān dōu yào qù) meaning 'I go every day.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 霉
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How Well Do You Know 霉?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 霉 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.
霉 = 雨 + 每. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 霉
IDS Structure⿱雨每
霉Full Character
=
雨yu3
top
每mei3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 霉?
How to say bacteria in Chinese
“bacteria” in Chinese is霉méi
The character 霉 (méi) refers to mold, mildew, or rot, often associated with the growth of fungi or bacteria in damp environments. It is commonly used in contexts related to food spoilage or health concerns, particularly in humid climates where mold can thrive. In a broader sense, it can convey the idea of something being spoiled or degraded.
When to use 霉
A common mistake is to confuse 霉 (méi) with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is more often used in informal contexts related to food and health rather than in formal writing. Be cautious with the tone; using the wrong tone can lead to misunderstandings about mold (霉) versus 'every' (每).
霉 or something close to it
霉 (mold) vs 腐 (fǔ, rot) — use 霉 for mold specifically related to dampness, while 腐 refers to decay in a broader context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 霉 (méi) with 每 (měi), which means 'every.' An example of a mistake would be using 霉 in a context meant for 'every,' such as saying '霉天都要去' (méi tiān dōu yào qù) instead of '每天都要去' (měi tiān dōu yào qù) meaning 'I go every day.'
Write 霉
霉
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Grammar Patterns of 霉
霉 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 4 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.
