Meanings of 脉
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About 脉
Podcast: 脉
Podcast: 脉
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AI Study Notes for 脉
脉 (mài) vs 血管 (xuèguǎn) — use 脉 when referring to pulse or veins in a broader context, while 血管 specifically denotes blood vessels.
Imagine a heartbeat (脉) that travels through arteries and veins. The character's left side, with a 'flesh' radical (肉), suggests its connection to the body, while the right side resembles a flowing river, symbolizing blood flow.
Be cautious with the tone; 脉 (mài) has a fourth tone, which can be confused with other similar-sounding characters. It is often used in formal contexts, such as medical discussions. Common collocations include phrases related to health and anatomy, like '脉搏' (pulse).
Though 脉 is not included in the current HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to other medical terms and words dealing with the body, which could be beneficial for learners interested in health-related topics. Focus on recognizing its usage in context.
In Chinese medicine, the concept of '脉' is crucial as it relates to diagnosing health through pulse reading. This practice reflects the holistic view of health in Chinese culture, where the pulse indicates not just blood flow but overall well-being.
Learners often confuse 脉 (mài) with other characters that have similar pronunciations but different meanings. For example, mixing it up with 买 (mǎi, to buy) due to tonal errors can lead to misunderstandings.
Pronunciation of 脉
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Etymology of 脉
Long 永 vessels through one's body ⺼
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 脉
Identify the Components
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Write 脉
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Practice writing 脉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 脉
脉 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 7 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
他们给我量了____搏、血压，还给我的下颌拍了X光片。
They took my pulse, took my blood pressure, and X-rayed my jaw.
Example Sentences for 脉 (10)
Cultural Notes for 脉
In Chinese medicine, the concept of '脉' is crucial as it relates to diagnosing health through pulse reading. This practice reflects the holistic view of health in Chinese culture, where the pulse indicates not just blood flow but overall well-being.
Word Family of 脉
Compound Meaning
What does 动脉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 脉
In medical contexts, 脉 refers to blood vessels and the pulse, essential for understanding circulation.