Meanings of 麻
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About 麻
Podcast: 麻
Podcast: 麻
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AI Study Notes for 麻
麻 (má) vs 纱 (shā) — use 麻 when referring to hemp or sensations of numbness, while 纱 specifically refers to gauze or thin fabric.
Imagine a rough, coarse piece of hemp fabric (麻) that feels prickly against your skin, creating a tingling sensation. The sound 'má' can be linked to 'ma' in 'mama,' who might use hemp to make a woven bag, connecting the character's form to its meaning.
A common mistake is confusing 麻 (má) with other similar-sounding characters. This word is generally neutral in tone, but in formal contexts, it is often used to discuss textiles or medical symptoms. Be careful with the pronunciation; a wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
While 麻 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects to other HSK vocabulary related to materials and sensations. Students should pay attention to its pronunciation and practice using it in context with related words like 纺织 (fǎngzhī - textile) and 感觉 (gǎnjué - feeling).
In Chinese cuisine, sesame seeds (which are also referred to as 麻) are commonly used in traditional dishes, particularly in sauces and desserts, highlighting its significance in both culinary practices and cultural symbolism.
Learners often confuse 麻 (má) with 码 (mǎ), which means 'code' or 'measure.' An example of a mistake is saying '我觉得麻' (I feel hemp) instead of '我觉得麻木' (I feel numb). Correcting tone is important to avoid misunderstandings.
Pronunciation of 麻
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Etymology of 麻
Hemp plants 林 growing in a greenhouse 广
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 麻?
Decomposition of 麻
Identify the Components
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Write 麻
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Practice writing 麻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 麻
麻 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 12 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.
Complete the Sentence
一定要把你们的护照带上，万一需要，没带就____烦了。
Make sure to bring your passports — in case you need them, it would be troublesome not to have them.
Common Confusions with 麻
Similar pronunciation but different usage and meaning.
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "hemp"?
Example Sentences for 麻 (10)
Cultural Notes for 麻
In traditional Chinese medicine, hemp has been used for its therapeutic properties, particularly in alleviating pain and inflammation. Its fibers are also utilized in making various textiles and ropes.
In Chinese cuisine, sesame seeds (which are also referred to as 麻) are commonly used in traditional dishes, particularly in sauces and desserts, highlighting its significance in both culinary practices and cultural symbolism.
Word Family of 麻
Compound Meaning
What does 嘛 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 麻
Yes, 麻 (má) is used in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly referring to hemp seeds, which are believed to have various health benefits including aiding digestion and promoting skin health. The seeds are often used in herbal remedies and dietary supplements.