Chinese Character: 茫
1. Character Basics
Radical: 艹 (cǎo) - Grass radical
Stroke Count: 9 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Máng (Second tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Vast; boundless; indistinct; vague; confused; uncertain; hazy; unclear
4. Common Words
- 茫然 (máng rán) - At a loss; blank; confused
- 茫茫 (máng máng) - Vast; boundless; endless
- 迷茫 (mí máng) - Confused; perplexed; lost
- 茫然失措 (máng rán shī cuò) - Be at a loss; panic-stricken
- 茫无头绪 (máng wú tóu xù) - Be at a loss; not know where to begin
5. Grammar & Usage
"茫" is primarily used as an adjective to describe something that is vast, boundless, or unclear. It is often used in compound words to convey a sense of confusion, uncertainty, or vastness. It can also be used as a verb when combined with other characters, as in "茫然" (be at a loss).
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese literature, "茫" is often used to describe vast, endless landscapes such as the sea or sky, or to express feelings of confusion or uncertainty. It is a common character in poetry to convey a sense of the unknown or the infinite.
7. Example Sentence
中文: 他站在十字路口，一脸茫然。
Pinyin: Tā zhàn zài shí zì lù kǒu, yī liǎn máng rán.
English: He stood at the crossroads, looking completely at a loss.
8. Memory Tips
The top part of "茫" is the grass radical "艹" (cǎo), and the bottom part is "汒" which consists of "氵" (water) and "亡" (dead). You can remember it as "grass growing in vast, unclear water" to represent the meaning of vastness or confusion.