Meanings of 抹
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 抹
Podcast: 抹
Podcast: 抹
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 抹
抹 (mā) vs 涂 (tú) — use 抹 when referring to wiping or smearing off a surface, while 涂 refers specifically to applying a layer of substance like paint.
Common mistakes include confusing 抹 with similar verbs like 擦 (cā), which also means to wipe but implies a more vigorous action. This character is generally used in informal contexts, but can be extended to formal writing when discussing artistic or cleaning actions. Be careful with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning completely.
While 抹 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects to other action verbs such as 擦 (cā, to wipe) and 洗 (xǐ, to wash). Focus on practicing its usage in various contexts to enhance your understanding and retention of action verbs in Mandarin.
Learners often confuse 抹 with the character 擦 (cā), thinking they have the same meaning. For example, saying '我擦掉了这个' (Wǒ cā diào le zhège) to mean 'I wiped this off' is incorrect if they meant to say 'I smoothed this out,' which should be '我抹掉了这个' (Wǒ mā diào le zhège).
Pronunciation of 抹
Drill the tone of 抹 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 抹
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 末 represents the sound.
hand
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 抹
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 末 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half末 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhand
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 抹? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 抹?
Decomposition of 抹
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 抹?
How to say to wipe in Chinese
“to wipe” in Chinese is抹
The character 抹 (mā) primarily means to smear or wipe something off a surface. It can also refer to applying a substance, such as paint or cream, and is used in contexts involving cleaning or erasing. Additionally, it serves as a classifier for wisps of clouds or light beams, indicating its versatility in describing both actions and phenomena.
When to use 抹
Common mistakes include confusing 抹 with similar verbs like 擦 (cā), which also means to wipe but implies a more vigorous action. This character is generally used in informal contexts, but can be extended to formal writing when discussing artistic or cleaning actions. Be careful with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning completely.
抹 or something close to it
抹 (mā) vs 涂 (tú) — use 抹 when referring to wiping or smearing off a surface, while 涂 refers specifically to applying a layer of substance like paint.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 抹 with the character 擦 (cā), thinking they have the same meaning. For example, saying '我擦掉了这个' (Wǒ cā diào le zhège) to mean 'I wiped this off' is incorrect if they meant to say 'I smoothed this out,' which should be '我抹掉了这个' (Wǒ mā diào le zhège).
Write 抹
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 抹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 抹
抹 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 8 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
把食物____上面包屑后过几分钟就炸，这一点很重要。
It is important that food be breaded just minutes before frying.
Example Sentences for 抹 (10)
Word Family of 抹
Compound Meaning
What does 抹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 抹
You might hear 抹油 (mā yóu) meaning 'to smear oil,' or 抹掉 (mā diào) meaning 'to wipe off.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 抹?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.