Meanings of 冒
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Podcast: 冒
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AI Study Notes for 冒
冒 (mào) vs 发 (fā) — use 冒 when emphasizing the act of emitting in a daring or risky context, while 发 is more general for 'to send out' or 'to issue'.
A common mistake is confusing 冒 with similar-sounding words or characters, such as 贸 (mào, trade). This character is relatively informal, so it's suitable for everyday conversation but may not be ideal for formal writing. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
Although 冒 is not explicitly listed in the HSK levels, it can be linked to HSK 3 and 4 vocabulary related to emotions and actions. Students should practice recognizing it in context and forming sentences that emphasize risk-taking or bravery.
Learners often mispronounce 冒 by mixing up tones, saying 'māo' instead of 'mào'. It’s crucial to practice the correct tone to convey the intended meaning, as 'māo' refers to cat (猫).
Pronunciation of 冒
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Etymology of 冒
Pictograph of a hat over an eye. Old way of writing 帽 (hat).
Origin
冒 = 目 + 冃. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 冒
Parts
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How to say to emit in Chinese
“to emit” in Chinese is冒
The character 冒 (mào) primarily means 'to emit' or 'to give off,' commonly used in contexts such as smoke or gas. It can also imply bravery or daring, as in 'to risk' or 'to face' a challenge. Additionally, it carries a connotation of acting under false pretenses, making it versatile in both literal and figurative language.
When to use 冒
A common mistake is confusing 冒 with similar-sounding words or characters, such as 贸 (mào, trade). This character is relatively informal, so it's suitable for everyday conversation but may not be ideal for formal writing. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
冒 or something close to it
冒 (mào) vs 发 (fā) — use 冒 when emphasizing the act of emitting in a daring or risky context, while 发 is more general for 'to send out' or 'to issue'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 冒 by mixing up tones, saying 'māo' instead of 'mào'. It’s crucial to practice the correct tone to convey the intended meaning, as 'māo' refers to cat (猫).
Write 冒
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Practice writing 冒 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 冒
冒 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 16 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
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我头有点儿疼，恐怕是感____了。
My head hurts a little; I'm afraid I've caught a cold.
Common Confusions with 冒
Similar shape but different meaning.
Which one
Which one means “to emit”?
Example Sentences for 冒 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 冒
In Chinese culture, the concept of '冒险' (to take risks) is often associated with bravery and the pursuit of dreams. Many traditional stories celebrate characters who face danger for the greater good.
Word Family of 冒
Characters with 冒
What does 勖 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 冒
While 冒 (mào) is an older variant and is less commonly used than its simplified form, it still appears in literary contexts and certain expressions. It retains its meanings related to bravery and emitting things, but most learners will encounter the simplified version more frequently.
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