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March 24, 2026
孟mèng(Meng4)
The character 孟 (mèng) has several meanings, primarily relating to the concept of being the first or eldest in a series, particularly among siblings. It is often used as a surname as well, and carries connotations of greatness or prominence, especially in historical contexts, such as with the philosopher Mengzi (Mencius).
Strokes8Radical子Frequency#20920DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The character 孟 is famously associated with the philosopher Mengzi (Mencius), who is revered in Chinese culture for his contributions to Confucianism. This connection highlights the importance of elder wisdom and guidance in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Think of 孟 (mèng) as a 'magnificent elder' in a family. The character consists of the radical for 'child' (子) at the bottom, suggesting a connection to family, while the top part looks like a roof, symbolizing protection or prominence over the family.
Meanings of 孟
mèng(Meng4)
1first in a series; great, eminent
2eldest amongst brothers
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 孟
孟Simplified
8Strokes
子Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 孟
Podcast: 孟
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AI Study Notes for 孟
Usage Notes
孟 is often used in formal contexts, especially in names and literature. A common mistake is using it informally, as it is generally reserved for more significant references. Be mindful of the tone; it is pronounced with a falling tone (mèng) which can change the meaning if mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
While 孟 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding this character can help learners recognize names and historical references, especially in classical texts. Focus on its connections to familial terms and other characters related to family hierarchy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 孟 with similar-sounding characters like 梦 (mèng, dream), leading to mix-ups in meaning. Always remember that 孟 relates to hierarchy and family, while 梦 relates to dreams.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 孟
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 孟? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 孟?
Decomposition of 孟
IDS Structure⿱子皿
孟Full Character
=
子zi3
top
皿min3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 孟?
How to say surname Meng in Chinese
“surname Meng” in Chinese is孟mèng
The character 孟 (mèng) has several meanings, primarily relating to the concept of being the first or eldest in a series, particularly among siblings. It is often used as a surname as well, and carries connotations of greatness or prominence, especially in historical contexts, such as with the philosopher Mengzi (Mencius).
When to use 孟
孟 is often used in formal contexts, especially in names and literature. A common mistake is using it informally, as it is generally reserved for more significant references. Be mindful of the tone; it is pronounced with a falling tone (mèng) which can change the meaning if mispronounced.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 孟 with similar-sounding characters like 梦 (mèng, dream), leading to mix-ups in meaning. Always remember that 孟 relates to hierarchy and family, while 梦 relates to dreams.
Write 孟
孟
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Practice writing 孟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 孟
孟 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 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他也想看看原生态的____加拉国是什么样子。
He also wanted to see Bangladesh in the raw.
Example Sentences for 孟 (21)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他也想看看原生态的孟加拉国是什么样子。
tā yě xiǎng kàn kàn yuán shēng tài de mèng jiā lā guó shì shí mó yàng zǐ。
Meng Changjun was one of the four eminent scholars of the Qi state during the Warring States period, famous for honoring and employing talented people.
11
孟子被尊为“亚圣”，是继孔子之后最伟大的儒家思想家之一。
Mèngzǐ bèi zūn wéi 'Yà Shèng', shì jì Kǒngzǐ zhīhòu zuì wěidà de rújiā sīxiǎng jiā zhī yī.
Mencius is revered as the 'Second Sage' and is one of the greatest Confucian thinkers after Confucius.
12
孟尝君是战国四公子中最为显赫的一位，以其宽容和智慧著称。
Mèng cháng jūn shì Zhànguó sì gōngzǐ zhōng zuì wéi xiǎnhè de yī wèi, yǐ qí kuānróng hé zhìhuì zhùchēng.
Mengchang Jun was the most eminent among the Four Lords of the Warring States, known for his tolerance and wisdom.
13
在古代中国，孟子被视为继孔子之后最重要的哲学家之一。
Zài gǔdài Zhōngguó, Mèngzǐ bèi shì wéi jì Kǒngzǐ zhīhòu zuì zhòngyào de zhéxuéjiā zhī yī.
In ancient China, Mencius was considered one of the most important philosophers after Confucius.
14
孟母三迁的故事显示了孟子的伟大成长环境。
Mèng mǔ sān qiān de gùshì xiǎnshì le Mèngzǐ de wěidà chéngzhǎng huánjìng.
The story of Mencius's mother moving three times illustrates the great environment in which Mencius grew up.
15
孟德尔的遗传学定律奠定了现代遗传学的基础，他的贡献是无与伦比的。
Mèngdér de yíchuánxué dìnglǜ diàndìng le xiàndài yíchuánxué de jīchǔ, tā de gòngxiàn shì wú yǔ lún bǐ de.
Mendel's laws of genetics laid the foundation for modern genetics, and his contributions are unparalleled.
Meng Changjun was one of the four eminent scholars of the Qi state during the Warring States period, famous for honoring and employing talented people.
17
孟子被尊为“亚圣”，是继孔子之后最伟大的儒家思想家之一。
Mèngzǐ bèi zūn wéi 'Yà Shèng', shì jì Kǒngzǐ zhīhòu zuì wěidà de rújiā sīxiǎng jiā zhī yī.
Mencius is revered as the 'Second Sage' and is one of the greatest Confucian thinkers after Confucius.
18
孟尝君是战国四公子中最为显赫的一位，以其宽容和智慧著称。
Mèng cháng jūn shì Zhànguó sì gōngzǐ zhōng zuì wéi xiǎnhè de yī wèi, yǐ qí kuānróng hé zhìhuì zhùchēng.
Mengchang Jun was the most eminent among the Four Lords of the Warring States, known for his tolerance and wisdom.
19
在古代中国，孟子被视为继孔子之后最重要的哲学家之一。
Zài gǔdài Zhōngguó, Mèngzǐ bèi shì wéi jì Kǒngzǐ zhīhòu zuì zhòngyào de zhéxuéjiā zhī yī.
In ancient China, Mencius was considered one of the most important philosophers after Confucius.
20
孟母三迁的故事显示了孟子的伟大成长环境。
Mèng mǔ sān qiān de gùshì xiǎnshì le Mèngzǐ de wěidà chéngzhǎng huánjìng.
The story of Mencius's mother moving three times illustrates the great environment in which Mencius grew up.
21
孟德尔的遗传学定律奠定了现代遗传学的基础，他的贡献是无与伦比的。
Mèngdér de yíchuánxué dìnglǜ diàndìng le xiàndài yíchuánxué de jīchǔ, tā de gòngxiàn shì wú yǔ lún bǐ de.
Mendel's laws of genetics laid the foundation for modern genetics, and his contributions are unparalleled.
Word Family of 孟
Words Containing This Character14
孟mèngfirst month of a season
孟菲斯Memphis (Egypt or Tennessee)
孟买Mumbai (formerly Bombay)孟買
孟子book of the same name, one of the classics of Confucianism
孟加拉Bengal
孟加拉国Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan)孟加拉國
孔孟之道the teaching of Confucius and Mencius
孟加拉湾Bay of Bengal孟加拉灣
孟姜女heroine of Qin dynasty 秦朝 folk tale, who searched for her husband, and whose tears broke down a stretch of the Great Wall to reveal his body
吴孟超Wu Mengchao (1922-), Chinese medical scientist and surgeon specializing in liver and gallbladder disorders吳孟超
农德孟Nong Duc Manh (1940-), general secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party 2001-2011農德孟
孟尝君Lord Menchang of Qi, Chancellor of Qi and of Wei during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC)孟嘗君
孟浩然Meng Haoran (689-740), Tang Dynasty Poet
西孟加拉邦West Bengal
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 孟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 孟
It denotes the eldest among siblings, often signifying a position of respect.
Yes, it is a recognized surname in China, with historical significance.
It is pronounced as 'mèng' with a falling tone.
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