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March 24, 2026
猫(貓)māo(mao1)
The character 猫 (māo) refers to a cat, a common domesticated animal often kept as a pet. It is used in various contexts related to pets, animals, and sometimes in idiomatic expressions. In Chinese culture, cats are often associated with good luck and are popular for their companionship.
Strokes11Radical犭Frequency#884DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cats are often seen as symbols of good fortune and are believed to bring wealth and prosperity to households. The popular phrase '招财猫' (zhāo cái māo), or 'beckoning cat,' is often found in shops to attract customers.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cat (猫) lounging lazily under a warm sun. The character resembles a cat lying down with its tail curled, and the pronunciation 'māo' sounds like a cat's meow. Picture the cat saying 'māo' each time it stretches out.
Meanings of 猫
māo(mao1)
1cat
2(coll.) modem
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 猫
猫Simplified
貓Traditional
11Strokes
犭Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#884Frequency Rank
只Measure Word
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 猫
Podcast: 猫
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AI Study Notes for 猫
Quick Contrast
狗 (gǒu) vs 猫 (māo): Choose 猫 when referring specifically to a cat, whereas 狗 refers to a dog.
Usage Notes
Be aware that the measure word for cats is 只 (zhī), so you would say 一只猫 (yī zhī māo) for 'one cat.' Avoid mixing up 猫 with similar-sounding words, and remember that the tone is important; 'māo' (high level) means cat, while 'mào' (falling tone) means to shout or make noise.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 猫 is essential for building basic vocabulary around animals. Focus on learning related vocabulary, such as other pets or common actions associated with cats. Practice both recognizing the character and using it in simple sentences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 猫 (cat) with other animals like 狗 (dog) or make errors with the measure word. For example, saying '一猫' instead of '一只猫' is incorrect; always use the appropriate measure word.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 猫
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Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 苗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貓.
1The meaning half犭 carries the sense.
2The sound half苗 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayanimal
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 猫? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 猫?
Decomposition of 猫
IDS Structure⿰犭苗
猫Full Character
=
犭quan3
left
苗Miao2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 猫?
How to say cat in Chinese
“cat” in Chinese is猫māo
The character 猫 (māo) refers to a cat, a common domesticated animal often kept as a pet. It is used in various contexts related to pets, animals, and sometimes in idiomatic expressions. In Chinese culture, cats are often associated with good luck and are popular for their companionship.
When to use 猫
Be aware that the measure word for cats is 只 (zhī), so you would say 一只猫 (yī zhī māo) for 'one cat.' Avoid mixing up 猫 with similar-sounding words, and remember that the tone is important; 'māo' (high level) means cat, while 'mào' (falling tone) means to shout or make noise.
猫 or something close to it
狗 (gǒu) vs 猫 (māo): Choose 猫 when referring specifically to a cat, whereas 狗 refers to a dog.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 猫 (cat) with other animals like 狗 (dog) or make errors with the measure word. For example, saying '一猫' instead of '一只猫' is incorrect; always use the appropriate measure word.
Write 猫
猫
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Practice writing 猫 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 猫
猫 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 3 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.
