Chinese Character: 茂
1. Character Basics
Radical: 艹 (cǎo) - Grass radical
Stroke Count: 8
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Mào (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Luxuriant; dense; thick; prosperous; lush; exuberant; flourishing
4. Common Words
- 茂盛 (mào shèng) - Luxuriant; flourishing; exuberant
- 茂密 (mào mì) - Dense; thick; closely grown
- 茂林 (mào lín) - Lush forest; thick woods
- 繁荣茂盛 (fán róng mào shèng) - Flourishing and prosperous
- 草木茂盛 (cǎo mù mào shèng) - Luxuriant vegetation
- 图文并茂 (tú wén bìng mào) - Rich in both pictures and text
- 根深叶茂 (gēn shēn yè mào) - Deep roots and lush leaves; well-established
5. Grammar & Usage
"茂" is primarily used as an adjective to describe lush, dense, or flourishing vegetation or things. It is often combined with other characters to form words describing growth and prosperity. In modern Chinese, it can also be used metaphorically to describe things that are rich and abundant.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, "茂" is associated with vitality, growth, and prosperity. It is often used in poetry and literature to describe beautiful natural scenery and is also used in names to convey wishes for a flourishing life or career. The phrase "根深叶茂" (deep roots and lush leaves) symbolizes the importance of a strong foundation for long-term success.
7. Example Sentence
中文: 春天到了，公园里的树木长得很茂盛。
Pinyin: Chūn tiān dào le, gōng yuán lǐ de shù mù zhǎng de hěn mào shèng.
English: Spring has arrived, and the trees in the park are growing luxuriantly.
8. Memory Tips
The character "茂" consists of 艹 (grass radical) on top and 戊 (which originally meant an ancient weapon) below. Imagine a field of tall, lush grass growing abundantly. You can also associate it with the word "茂盛" (mào shèng) to remember its meaning of flourishing growth.