Meanings of 馬
By ear
Play it, then pick what 馬 means.
About 馬
Podcast: 馬
Podcast: 馬
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 馬
A common mistake is to confuse 馬 with similar-looking characters. Remember that 馬 specifically refers to 'horse', while other characters may have different meanings. The tone is crucial; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely, so practice saying 'mǎ' with the third tone.
While 馬 is not part of the official HSK levels, it connects with words at the beginner level related to animals and transportation. Students should focus on recognizing and writing the character, as well as using it in simple sentences about animals.
Learners often mistakenly write 馬 with the wrong strokes, confusing it with other characters like 媽 (mā, mother) or 馬 (mǎ, horse). Always double-check the components to avoid this error.
Pronunciation of 馬
Drill the tone of 馬 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 馬 to you
Let me explain 馬 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 馬 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 馬?
Learning Lab
Knowing 馬 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 馬
Simplified form of 馬. Pictograph of a horse.
A horse galloping to the left
Origin
What kind of character is 馬?
Decomposition of 馬
Parts
Which of these is part of 馬?
How to say horse; surname in Chinese
“horse; surname” in Chinese is馬
The character 馬 (mǎ) means 'horse' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in contexts related to animals, transportation, and traditional Chinese culture, where horses symbolize strength and power. Additionally, 馬 is also a common Chinese surname.
When to use 馬
A common mistake is to confuse 馬 with similar-looking characters. Remember that 馬 specifically refers to 'horse', while other characters may have different meanings. The tone is crucial; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely, so practice saying 'mǎ' with the third tone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly write 馬 with the wrong strokes, confusing it with other characters like 媽 (mā, mother) or 馬 (mǎ, horse). Always double-check the components to avoid this error.
Write 馬
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 馬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 馬?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 馬
Words with 馬
What does 马上 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 馬
It is pronounced 'mǎ' with a third tone, which has a falling-rising intonation.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 馬?
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.