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March 24, 2026
魅mèi(mei4)
The character 魅 (mèi) refers to a sense of charm or enchantment. It can denote a magical quality that attracts or captivates others, often associated with supernatural or demonic elements in folklore. Commonly used in contexts related to beauty and allure, it can also imply an enchanting or captivating personality.
Strokes14Radical鬼Frequency#9796DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese folklore, 魅 can refer to spirits or demons that are both alluring and dangerous, often appearing in stories where they seduce or enchant humans. This duality reflects cultural views on beauty and temptation across Chinese literature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a magical forest where a beautiful spirit (the 魅) enchants all who enter. The character has the fish radical 魚 (yú) at the bottom, suggesting a connection to water and mystery, while the top suggests something ethereal. This can help you remember 'charm' as a magical quality that flows like water.
Meanings of 魅
mèi(mei4)
1demon
2magic
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 魅 means.
About 魅
魅Simplified
14Strokes
鬼Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#9796Frequency Rank
Podcast: 魅
Podcast: 魅
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AI Study Notes for 魅
Quick Contrast
妖 (yāo) — use 魅 (mèi) for charm or enchantment, while 妖 (yāo) emphasizes a supernatural or demonic quality.
Usage Notes
Learners may confuse 魅 with similar characters like 美 (měi), which means 'beautiful.' 魅 is often used in more poetic or formal contexts, so be cautious with its usage in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 魅力 (mèilì), meaning 'charm' or 'attractiveness.'
HSK Study Tips
While 魅 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it shares common components with words at HSK levels 3-6 that relate to beauty and attraction. Students should focus on recognizing its use in literature and poetry to deepen their understanding of charm and allure.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 魅 with 美 (měi), which means 'beautiful.' For example, saying '她很魅' (tā hěn mèi) can be incorrect if you mean to say 'She is very beautiful,' as the correct word would be '美.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 魅
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How Well Do You Know 魅?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 魅 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.
The character 魅 (mèi) refers to a sense of charm or enchantment. It can denote a magical quality that attracts or captivates others, often associated with supernatural or demonic elements in folklore. Commonly used in contexts related to beauty and allure, it can also imply an enchanting or captivating personality.
When to use 魅
Learners may confuse 魅 with similar characters like 美 (měi), which means 'beautiful.' 魅 is often used in more poetic or formal contexts, so be cautious with its usage in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 魅力 (mèilì), meaning 'charm' or 'attractiveness.'
魅 or something close to it
妖 (yāo) — use 魅 (mèi) for charm or enchantment, while 妖 (yāo) emphasizes a supernatural or demonic quality.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 魅 with 美 (měi), which means 'beautiful.' For example, saying '她很魅' (tā hěn mèi) can be incorrect if you mean to say 'She is very beautiful,' as the correct word would be '美.'
Write 魅
魅
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Grammar Patterns of 魅
魅 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
新鲜事物的____力一定让你兴奋不已。
You must be feeling exhilarated by the call of the new.
Common Confusions with 魅
魅vs美
měi
Similar pronunciation and shape, but different meanings.
