Learn a Chinese Character - 矛 (Máo - Spear; lance)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 矛 (itself)

Stroke Count: 5

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Máo (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: Spear; lance; pike; halberd; ancient Chinese weapon

4. Common Words

• 矛盾 (máo dùn) - Contradiction; conflict
• 长矛 (cháng máo) - Long spear
• 矛头 (máo tóu) - Spearhead; focus; direction
• 戈矛 (gē máo) - Weapons; arms
• 自相矛盾 (zì xiāng máo dùn) - Self-contradictory
• 矛锋 (máo fēng) - Spear point; cutting edge
• 矛盾百出 (máo dùn bǎi chū) - Full of contradictions

5. Grammar & Usage

"矛" is primarily used as a noun referring to a spear or lance. It is most commonly found in compound words, especially "矛盾" (contradiction), which is widely used in modern Chinese to describe conflicts or inconsistencies. While it can be used alone in historical contexts, in everyday language it is more often part of multi-character words.

6. Cultural Background

The character "矛" dates back to ancient Chinese oracle bone inscriptions, depicting a spear with a sharp point and a shaft. In Chinese culture, the phrase "自相矛盾" (zì xiāng máo dùn) comes from a famous fable about a man who claimed to sell both impenetrable shields and all-piercing spears, highlighting the concept of logical contradiction that is still widely used today.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Picture an ancient spear with a sharp point at the top and a shaft below. The five strokes of "矛" can be visualized as the different parts of the weapon: the top stroke is the sharp point, and the lower strokes form the shaft and handle. You can also associate it with the common word "矛盾" (contradiction) to help remember its meaning.