Meanings of 毛
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About 毛
Podcast: 毛
Podcast: 毛
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AI study notes for 毛
毛 (máo, hair/feather) vs 发 (fà, hair) — use 毛 for texture or material context; use 发 for hair on the head.
Common mistakes include confusing '毛' with similar-sounding characters or using it incorrectly as a verb. It is informal when referring to hair or feathers and can be used in both everyday and formal contexts when discussing currency. Remember that '毛' as a currency unit is specific to Chinese monetary terms.
As an HSK Level 4 word, '毛' connects with other vocabulary related to physical characteristics and materials, such as '皮' (pí, skin) and '绒' (róng, fluff). Students should practice using '毛' in different contexts, particularly in relation to clothing and currency.
Learners often mistakenly use '毛' in contexts where specific technical terms are required, such as using it to describe food items when '生' (shēng) might be more appropriate. For example, saying '毛肉' instead of '生肉' (raw meat) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 毛
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Learning Lab
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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.
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Etymology of 毛
Pictograph of a feather.
Origin
What kind of character is 毛?
Decomposition of 毛
Parts
Which of these is part of 毛?
How to say hair in Chinese
“hair” in Chinese is毛
The character '毛' (máo) primarily means 'hair' or 'feather' and can also refer to wool or down. It is used in various contexts, including describing textures and types of materials, as well as in idiomatic expressions. Additionally, '毛' serves as a classifier for fractional currency in China, specifically one-tenth of a yuan.
When to use 毛
Common mistakes include confusing '毛' with similar-sounding characters or using it incorrectly as a verb. It is informal when referring to hair or feathers and can be used in both everyday and formal contexts when discussing currency. Remember that '毛' as a currency unit is specific to Chinese monetary terms.
毛 or something close to it
毛 (máo, hair/feather) vs 发 (fà, hair) — use 毛 for texture or material context; use 发 for hair on the head.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use '毛' in contexts where specific technical terms are required, such as using it to describe food items when '生' (shēng) might be more appropriate. For example, saying '毛肉' instead of '生肉' (raw meat) is incorrect.
Write 毛
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Practice writing 毛 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 毛
毛 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 19 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.
Fill the gap
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九块三____。
9.30 yuan.
Common confusions with 毛
Same pronunciation but different characters and meanings.
Which one
Which one means “hair”?
Example sentences for 毛 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 毛
The character 毛 is often associated with warmth and comfort due to its connection to wool and feathers. In Chinese culture, warm clothing is essential during the cold winter months.
Word Family of 毛
Characters with 毛
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Frequently asked questions about 毛
Common phrases using 毛 (máo) include '毛衣' (máo yī), which means 'sweater', and '毛发' (máo fà), meaning 'hair'. These phrases are useful for everyday conversations, especially when discussing clothing or personal grooming.
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