Chinese Character: 毫
1. Character Basics
Radical: 毛/máo (fur/hair)
Stroke Count: 11 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Háo (Second tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Fine hair; tiny bit; millimeter
Extended Meaning: Minute; slightest; very small amount
Additional Meaning: Used to describe something very small or a tiny amount
4. Common Words
- 毫米 (háo mǐ) - Millimeter
Example: 这个零件的厚度只有几毫米。(Zhège língjiàn de hòudù zhǐyǒu jǐ háo mǐ.) - The thickness of this part is only a few millimeters.
- 毫毛 (háo máo) - Fine hair
Example: 他的毫毛都竖起来了，看起来很害怕。(Tā de háo máo dōu shù qǐlái le, kànqǐlái hěn hàipà.) - His fine hairs stood on end, looking very scared.
- 毫厘 (háo lí) - Very small amount (millimeter and centimeter)
Example: 做这项工作必须精确到毫厘。(Zuò zhè xiàng gōngzuò bìxū jīngquè dào háo lí.) - This work must be precise to the smallest detail.
- 毫无 (háo wú) - Not the slightest
Example: 他毫无悔意地离开了公司。(Tā háo wú huǐyì de líkāile gōngsī.) - He left the company without the slightest regret.
- 分毫 (fēn háo) - Minute amount
Example: 我们不能有分毫的马虎。(Wǒmen bùnéng yǒu fēn háo de mǎhu.) - We can't be the least bit careless.
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Noun, Adverb, Measure word
Usage as Noun: Refers to fine hair or a unit of measurement (millimeter).
Usage as Adverb: Used in words like 毫无 (háo wú) meaning "not the slightest" or 毫不 (háo bù) meaning "not at all".
Usage as Measure Word: Used as a unit of length (1/10 of a centimeter).
Common Structures:
- 毫 + 无 (háo wú) - Not the slightest
- 毫 + 不 (háo bù) - Not at all
- 分 + 毫 (fēn háo) - Minute amount
- 毫 + 米 (háo mǐ) - Millimeter
- 毫 + 厘 (háo lí) - Very small amount
Note: "毫" is often used in phrases to emphasize smallness, precision, or absence of something.
6. Cultural Background
The character "毫" (háo) has cultural significance in various aspects of Chinese life:
Measurement System: "毫" has been used as a unit of measurement in China for thousands of years. It is one of the basic units in the traditional Chinese measurement system, equal to 1/10 of a centimeter.
Calligraphy and Painting: In Chinese calligraphy and painting, the tip of a writing brush is sometimes referred to as "毫". Different types of brushes have different "毫" (hair tips), which affect the quality of the artwork.
Idioms and Sayings: Many Chinese idioms use "毫" to denote smallness, precision, or attention to detail. For example, "明察秋毫" (míng chá qiū háo) means "to observe even the fine hairs of autumn", describing someone who is very observant.
Philosophical Significance: In Chinese philosophy, the concept of "毫" (tiny things) is sometimes used to illustrate the idea that small details can have significant impacts.
7. Example Sentence
Sentence 1: 这支铅笔的直径大约是七毫米。(Zhè zhī qiānbǐ de zhíjìng dàyuē shì qī háo mǐ.)
Translation: The diameter of this pencil is about seven millimeters.
Sentence 2: 他毫不客气地指出了我的错误。(Tā háo bù kèqì de zhǐchūle wǒ de cuòwù.)
Translation: He pointed out my mistake without mincing words.
Sentence 3: 我们在测量时必须精确到毫厘。(Wǒmen zài cèliáng shí bìxū jīngquè dào háo lí.)
Translation: We must be precise to the smallest detail when measuring.
8. Memory Tips
1. Break it down: The character "毫" consists of "高" (gāo - high) on top and "毛" (máo - fur/hair) at the bottom. Imagine a high-quality brush with fine hair.
2. Create a vivid image: Picture a tiny hair or a very small measurement. You can also imagine a calligraphy brush with fine tips.
3. Stroke order: Practice writing the character following the correct stroke order: first the top part "高", then the bottom part "毛".
4. Use association: Associate "毫" with words like 毫米 (millimeter), 毫无 (not the slightest), and 毫厘 (very small amount) to reinforce your memory.
5. Remember the pronunciation: "毫" (háo) rhymes with "豪" (háo - bold) and has the same pronunciation. You can remember that both characters are pronounced "háo" but have different meanings and radicals.