Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
谜 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
谜
mèi
riddle
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 讠, rank #4697, Very Hard
谜
mèi
riddle, puzzle, conundrum
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 讠, rank #4697, Very Hard
谜
mí
riddle
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 讠, rank #4697, Very Hard
谜
mí
riddle, puzzle, conundrum
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 讠, rank #4697, Very Hard
mèi(mei4)mei
primary
T4
1riddle
2riddle, puzzle, conundrum
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
谜(謎)mèi(mei4)
The character 谜 (mèi) refers to a riddle or puzzle, often used in contexts where a question or statement requires clever thinking or problem-solving. It can also imply a sense of mystery or enigma, making it common in games, literature, and cultural references.
Strokes11Radical讠Frequency#4697DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, riddles are often used during festivals, such as the Lantern Festival, where people solve riddles written on lanterns as a form of entertainment and intellectual challenge.
Memory tip
Imagine a mysterious maze (谜) that you must solve to find your way out. The sound 'mèi' can remind you of the word 'maze,' linking the character's meaning to its pronunciation.
Meanings of 谜
mèi(mei4)
primary
1riddle
2riddle, puzzle, conundrum
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 谜 means.
About 谜
谜Simplified
謎Traditional
11Strokes
讠Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4697Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 谜
Podcast: 谜
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 谜
Quick Contrast
谜语 (míyǔ) vs 谜 (mèi) — use 谜 when referring to the concept of a riddle in a general sense, while 谜语 specifically denotes a riddle in the form of a spoken or written statement.
Usage Notes
Students often confuse 谜 (mèi) with similar-sounding characters. It is generally used in informal contexts, especially in games or conversations about puzzles. Be careful with tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other meanings.
HSK Study Tips
While 谜 is not in HSK vocabulary, focusing on it can enhance your understanding of related words like 謎語 (míyǔ, riddle) and 謎題 (mítí, puzzle). Look for connections with other HSK words that involve problem-solving or questions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes write 謎 (mí) instead of 谜 (mèi), confusing the traditional and simplified forms. Remember to use 谜 for simplified contexts, especially in Mainland China.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 谜
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 谜, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 谜 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 谜?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 谜 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 谜 (mèi) refers to a riddle or puzzle, often used in contexts where a question or statement requires clever thinking or problem-solving. It can also imply a sense of mystery or enigma, making it common in games, literature, and cultural references.
When to use 谜
Students often confuse 谜 (mèi) with similar-sounding characters. It is generally used in informal contexts, especially in games or conversations about puzzles. Be careful with tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other meanings.
谜 or something close to it
谜语 (míyǔ) vs 谜 (mèi) — use 谜 when referring to the concept of a riddle in a general sense, while 谜语 specifically denotes a riddle in the form of a spoken or written statement.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes write 謎 (mí) instead of 谜 (mèi), confusing the traditional and simplified forms. Remember to use 谜 for simplified contexts, especially in Mainland China.
Write 谜
谜
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 谜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 谜
谜 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 2 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
意大利的经济奇迹一直是个____。
The Italian economic miracle has always been a mystery.
Example sentences for 谜 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
意大利的经济奇迹一直是个谜。
yì dà lì de jīngjì qíjì yìzhí shì gè mèi。
The Italian economic miracle has always been a mystery.