Chinese Character: 贸
1. Character Basics
Radical: 贝 (shell/money)
Stroke Count: 9
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Mào
3. Meaning
Trade; commerce; business; exchange; transaction; trade
4. Common Words
- 贸易 (mào yì) - Trade; commerce
- 外贸 (wài mào) - Foreign trade
- 贸易战 (mào yì zhàn) - Trade war
- 商贸城 (mào yì chéng) - Commercial city; trade center
- 贸促会 (mào cù huì) - China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
- 贸易顺差 (mào yì shùn chā) - Trade surplus
- 贸易逆差 (mào yì nì chā) - Trade deficit
- 贸然 (mào rán) - Rushly; without careful consideration
5. Grammar & Usage
"贸" is primarily used as a noun or in compound words related to trade and commerce. It is rarely used alone in modern Chinese, but it forms many common business-related terms. The word "贸然" (mào rán) is an exception where it is used to mean "rashly" or "without careful consideration".
6. Cultural Background
The character "贸" consists of 卯 (morning) and 贝 (shell, ancient Chinese currency). This combination reflects the historical practice of trading in markets during the morning hours in ancient China. Today, it is a key component of many terms related to China's rapidly developing economy and international trade.
7. Example Sentence
中文: 中国和美国之间的贸易关系很重要。
Pinyin: Zhōngguó hé Měiguó zhījiān de mào yì guānxi hěn zhòngyào.
English: The trade relationship between China and the United States is very important.
8. Memory Tips
The character "贸" is composed of 卯 (morning) on top and 贝 (shell/money) below. Imagine a morning market where people are trading goods using shells as currency. You can also remember the common word "贸易" (mào yì) to help recall its meaning related to trade and commerce.