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毛病 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
毛病
máobìng
fault
HSK 5, n, 14 strokes, rank #2454, Hard
毛病
máobìng
defect
HSK 5, n, 14 strokes, rank #2454, Hard
毛病
máobìng
shortcomings
HSK 5, n, 14 strokes, rank #2454, Hard
毛病
máobìng
ailment
HSK 5, n, 14 strokes, rank #2454, Hard
máobìng(mao2bing4)mao bing T2
1fault
2defect
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March 24, 2026
毛病máobìng(mao2bing4)
The term '毛病' (máobìng) refers to a fault, defect, or shortcoming in something or someone. It can also describe an ailment or health issue. This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and more formal contexts to highlight negative aspects or problems.
Strokes14Frequency#2454DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, discussing someone's '毛病' can be sensitive as it touches on personal shortcomings. It’s often used in family discussions to address issues in a caring but direct manner, which reflects the value placed on harmony and improvement.
Memory tip
Think of '毛' (máo) as 'fur' or 'hair,' which can easily show flaws, while '病' (bìng) means 'sickness.' Imagine a furry pet with a health issue, and you can remember that '毛病' represents faults or problems.
Meanings of 毛病
máobìng(mao2bing4)
1fault
2defect
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 毛病
毛病Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2454Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 毛病
Podcast: 毛病
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AI study notes for 毛病
Quick Contrast
缺点 (quēdiǎn) — use '毛病' for faults related to behavior or health, while '缺点' specifically refers to shortcomings or disadvantages in character or attributes.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '毛病' with '问题' (wèntí), which means 'problem' in a broader sense. '毛病' carries a more negative connotation, often implying a defect rather than just an issue. In informal contexts, it can also refer to personal flaws.
HSK Study Tips
'毛病' is an HSK Level 5 word, connecting well with other vocabulary about health and personal attributes. Focus on using it in sentences that describe both objects and people to enhance your understanding of its nuances.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use '毛病' when they mean '问题' (wèntí) or 'issue'. For example, saying '这个是我的毛病' (zhège shì wǒ de máobìng) when referring to a general problem should be corrected to '这个是我的问题' (zhège shì wǒ de wèntí).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 毛病
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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.
The term '毛病' (máobìng) refers to a fault, defect, or shortcoming in something or someone. It can also describe an ailment or health issue. This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and more formal contexts to highlight negative aspects or problems.
When to use 毛病
Be careful not to confuse '毛病' with '问题' (wèntí), which means 'problem' in a broader sense. '毛病' carries a more negative connotation, often implying a defect rather than just an issue. In informal contexts, it can also refer to personal flaws.
毛病 or something close to it
缺点 (quēdiǎn) — use '毛病' for faults related to behavior or health, while '缺点' specifically refers to shortcomings or disadvantages in character or attributes.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use '毛病' when they mean '问题' (wèntí) or 'issue'. For example, saying '这个是我的毛病' (zhège shì wǒ de máobìng) when referring to a general problem should be corrected to '这个是我的问题' (zhège shì wǒ de wèntí).
Write 毛病
毛
病
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Grammar patterns of 毛病
毛病 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 4 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.
