Meanings of 摸
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About 摸
Podcast: 摸
Podcast: 摸
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AI Study Notes for 摸
抚 (fǔ) - use 摸 (mō) for a more exploratory or casual touch, while 抚 (fǔ) conveys a gentler, more affectionate gesture.
Be cautious with the context in which you use 摸, as it can imply intimacy or inappropriate touching if misused. It is generally informal; for more formal contexts, consider using other verbs. Common collocations include 摸索 (mōsuǒ, to grope or feel around) and 摸摸 (mōmō, to touch gently).
As an HSK Level 5 word, 摸 connects well with other action verbs and sensory-related vocabulary. Focus on its usage in context to distinguish it from similar verbs like 触 (chù, to touch) and 抓 (zhuā, to grab). Practice forming sentences that incorporate tactile experiences.
Learners often confuse 摸 with similar verbs like 触 (chù) or 抓 (zhuā). For example, saying '我触他的手' (Wǒ chù tā de shǒu) instead of '我摸他的手' (Wǒ mō tā de shǒu) can change the intended meaning from a simple touch to a more formal or clinical sense.
Pronunciation of 摸
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Etymology of 摸
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 莫 represents the sound.
hand
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 摸
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 莫 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half莫 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhand
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 摸? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 摸?
Decomposition of 摸
Identify the Components
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How to say to feel with the hand in Chinese
“to feel with the hand” in Chinese is摸
The character 摸 (mō) primarily means 'to feel or touch with the hand.' It is commonly used in contexts where one is exploring textures, checking for warmth, or seeking to understand something through physical contact. The nuance varies from gentle stroking to more intimate or secretive touches, such as in the case of groping or stealing.
When to use 摸
Be cautious with the context in which you use 摸, as it can imply intimacy or inappropriate touching if misused. It is generally informal; for more formal contexts, consider using other verbs. Common collocations include 摸索 (mōsuǒ, to grope or feel around) and 摸摸 (mōmō, to touch gently).
摸 or something close to it
抚 (fǔ) - use 摸 (mō) for a more exploratory or casual touch, while 抚 (fǔ) conveys a gentler, more affectionate gesture.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 摸 with similar verbs like 触 (chù) or 抓 (zhuā). For example, saying '我触他的手' (Wǒ chù tā de shǒu) instead of '我摸他的手' (Wǒ mō tā de shǒu) can change the intended meaning from a simple touch to a more formal or clinical sense.
Write 摸
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Practice writing 摸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 摸
摸 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 8 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
这种做生意的方式偷偷____摸，遮遮掩掩。
It is a sneaky and underhand way of doing business.
Common Confusions with 摸
Similar sound, but refers more to friction rather than touching.
Similar sound and meaning (to imitate), but different characters.
摸 refers to touching or feeling with the hand, while 摹 refers to imitating or copying (e.g., art).
他在摸索这个问题的答案。(He is trying to feel out the answer to this question.)
摸 refers to touching or feeling with the hand, while 摹 refers to imitating or copying (e.g., art).
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to feel with the hand"?
Example Sentences for 摸 (15)
Word Family of 摸
Compound Meaning
What does 摸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 摸
Yes, 摸 is often used in Chinese idioms and phrases. For example, '摸清楚' (mō qīngchǔ) means to figure something out clearly. It emphasizes understanding a situation more thoroughly, often through careful observation or interaction.
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