Meanings of 马虎
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About 马虎
Podcast: 马虎
Podcast: 马虎
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AI Study Notes for 马虎
粗心 (cū xīn, careless) vs 马虎 (mǎ hu, negligent) — use 粗心 for a broader sense of carelessness, while 马虎 specifically implies negligence leading to mistakes.
马虎 is generally used in informal conversations, but can be used in semi-formal contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with other terms like 粗心 (cū xīn), which also means careless but has a slightly different nuance. Pay attention to the tone: the third tone (mǎ) must be pronounced correctly to avoid confusion.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 马虎 connects with other terms that describe behavior and personality traits. Students should focus on using it in sentences that illustrate carelessness in various contexts, enhancing their vocabulary related to personal characteristics.
Learners often confuse 马虎 with other similar words like 粗心, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '他很马虎' (tā hěn mǎ hū) is correct, but saying '他很粗心' (tā hěn cū xīn) would be better in a context emphasizing a lack of carefulness in thought.
Pronunciation of 马虎
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Component Characters
How to say careless in Chinese
“careless” in Chinese is马虎
马虎 (mǎ hū) describes a person who is careless or negligent in their actions, leading to mistakes or oversights. This term is often used in contexts where attention to detail is important, such as in work or school settings, emphasizing the need for thoroughness and precision.
When to use 马虎
马虎 is generally used in informal conversations, but can be used in semi-formal contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with other terms like 粗心 (cū xīn), which also means careless but has a slightly different nuance. Pay attention to the tone: the third tone (mǎ) must be pronounced correctly to avoid confusion.
马虎 or something close to it
粗心 (cū xīn, careless) vs 马虎 (mǎ hu, negligent) — use 粗心 for a broader sense of carelessness, while 马虎 specifically implies negligence leading to mistakes.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 马虎 with other similar words like 粗心, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '他很马虎' (tā hěn mǎ hū) is correct, but saying '他很粗心' (tā hěn cū xīn) would be better in a context emphasizing a lack of carefulness in thought.
Write 马虎
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Practice writing 马虎 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 马虎
马虎 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.
Complete the Sentence
考试的事____不得。
The matter of the exam — you must not be careless.
Example Sentences for 马虎 (6)
Frequently Asked Questions about 马虎
While 马虎 is primarily used to describe people, you can use it to refer to someone's work or effort, implying that it was done carelessly.
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