Chinese Character: 貌
1. Character Basics
Radical: 豸 (beast)
Stroke Count: 14
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Mào
3. Meaning
Appearance; looks; face; features; appearance; demeanor; form; shape
4. Common Words
- 外貌 (wài mào) - Appearance; looks
- 面貌 (miàn mào) - Face; features; appearance
- 容貌 (róng mào) - Facial features; appearance
- 美貌 (měi mào) - Beauty; good looks
- 礼貌 (lǐ mào) - Politeness; courtesy
- 风貌 (fēng mào) - Style; manner; demeanor
- 貌似 (mào sì) - To seem; to appear to be
- 貌合神离 (mào hé shén lí) - To agree in appearance but differ at heart
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "貌" is primarily used as a noun to refer to one's appearance, looks, or facial features. It is often combined with other characters to form words related to appearance and demeanor. The word "貌似" (mào sì) is a special case where "貌" functions as an adverb meaning "apparently" or "seemingly".
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, physical appearance has traditionally been considered important, but it is often emphasized that inner beauty is more valuable than outward appearance. This is reflected in proverbs such as "人不可貌相" (rén bù kě mào xiàng), which means "Don't judge a person by their appearance". The character "貌" is also used in many idioms and expressions related to appearance and behavior.
7. Example Sentence
中文: 虽然他的外貌普通，但他很有才华。
Pinyin: Suīrán tā de wài mào pǔtōng, dàn tā hěn yǒu cáihuá.
English: Although his appearance is ordinary, he is very talented.
8. Memory Tips
The character "貌" is composed of 豸 (beast) on the left and 皃 (ancient form of 貌) on the right. You can remember that "貌" relates to appearance by thinking of how even animals (豸) have distinct appearances. You can also remember the common word "外貌" (wài mào) to help recall its meaning related to looks and appearance.