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蚂蚁 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
蚂蚁mǎyǐantHSK 6, n, 18 strokes, rank #6545, Hard
mǎyǐ(ma3yi3) T3
  1. 1ant
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March 24, 2026

蚂蚁(螞蟻)mǎyǐ(ma3yi3)

蚂蚁 (mǎ yǐ) means 'ant' in Mandarin. This term is used to refer to the small, industrious insects known for their social behavior and ability to work in groups. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is hardworking or diligent.

Strokes18Frequency#6545DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, ants symbolize hard work and perseverance, often referenced in proverbs. For example, the saying '蚂蚁搬家' (mǎ yǐ bān jiā) means 'ants move their home,' reflecting the idea of collective effort.

Memory Tip

Imagine a small 'ma' (horse) carrying a tiny 'yi' (one) ant on its back. The horse is a symbol of hard work, just like ants, who are known for their tireless labor. Visualizing this image helps connect the sound 'mǎ yǐ' with the idea of hardworking ants.

Meanings of 蚂蚁

mǎyǐ(ma3yi3)
1ant
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About 蚂蚁

蚂蚁Simplified
螞蟻Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6545Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 蚂蚁

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Podcast: 蚂蚁

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AI Study Notes for 蚂蚁

Usage Notes

The word 蚂蚁 is generally used in both formal and informal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words; ensure you emphasize the correct tones, especially the third tone for both syllables. It often appears in phrases related to teamwork or diligence.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 蚂蚁 connects to other HSK 6 vocabulary related to nature and social concepts. Students should focus on the context in which this word appears, such as discussions about ecosystems or metaphors for work ethic.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 蚂蚁 as 'mā yǐ' instead of 'mǎ yǐ', losing the correct meaning. Additionally, they may confuse it with other similar-sounding words, so practicing the tones is crucial.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蚂蚁

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Component Characters

蚂mādragonfly
9 strokes虫
View full entry
蚁yǐant
9 strokes虫
View full entry

How to say ant in Chinese

“ant” in Chinese is蚂蚁mǎyǐ

蚂蚁 (mǎ yǐ) means 'ant' in Mandarin. This term is used to refer to the small, industrious insects known for their social behavior and ability to work in groups. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is hardworking or diligent.

When to use 蚂蚁

The word 蚂蚁 is generally used in both formal and informal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words; ensure you emphasize the correct tones, especially the third tone for both syllables. It often appears in phrases related to teamwork or diligence.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce 蚂蚁 as 'mā yǐ' instead of 'mǎ yǐ', losing the correct meaning. Additionally, they may confuse it with other similar-sounding words, so practicing the tones is crucial.

Write 蚂蚁

蚂
蚁

Practice writing 蚂蚁 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 蚂蚁

It is pronounced as 'mǎ yǐ', with both syllables in the third tone.

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