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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
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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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
Every one for himself and the devil take the hindmost.
6
我看上一间又低,又小,又霉的的东房,这是在云霖的隔壁一家叫大元的公寓里.
wǒ kàn shàng yī jiān yòu dī, , yòu, xiǎo , yòu méi de de, dōng fáng , zhè shì zài yún lín de gé bì yī jiā jiào dà yuán de.
I've selected small mouldy room with a low ceiling in a hostel next to Yunlin's.
7
他可真倒霉，不是吗？
tā kě zhēn dǎo méi， ， bù shì？
It was jolly hard luck on him, wasn't it?
8
别人老是给他讲些倒霉事儿来逗他开心。
bié rén lǎo shì gěi tā jiǎng xiē dǎo méi shì ér lái dòu tā kāi xīn。
He was constantly regaled with tales of woe.
9
这个房间闻起来有股发霉的陈味儿.
zhè gè fáng jiān wén qǐ lái yǒu gǔ fā méi de chén wèi ér.
The room smelled musty and stale.
10
如果甘蓝闻着或吃着有霉味或酸味，请勿食用。
rú guǒ gān lán wén zháo huò chī zháo yǒu méi wèi huò suān wèi， ， qǐng wù shí。
If the sprouts smell, or taste, mouldy or acidic do not eat them.
Cultural Notes for 霉
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 霉
Words Containing This Character15
倒霉dǎoméito have bad luck
霉méifungi
青霉素penicillin
霉菌mold
发霉to become moldy發霉
红霉素erythromycin紅霉素
庆大霉素gentamycin (antibiotic)慶大霉素
氯霉素chloramphenicol
黄曲霉Aspergillus flavus (fungus typically found on crops)黃曲霉
霉烂mold霉爛
新霉素neomycin (antibiotic)
霉气a moldy smell霉氣
黄曲霉菌Aspergillus flavus (fungus typically found on crops)黃曲霉菌
霉雨monsoon
氯洁霉素clindamycin氯潔霉素
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 倒霉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 霉
You can say '这块面包霉了' (Zhè kuài miànbāo méi le), meaning 'This piece of bread is moldy.'
Yes, related terms include '霉菌' (méijūn) for 'mold fungus' and '腐烂' (fǔlàn) for 'rot.'
Generally, 霉 has negative connotations as it indicates spoilage or decay.
