Chinese Character: 霉
1. Character Basics
Radical: 雨 (yǔ) - \u0022Rain radical\u0022
Stroke Count: 15 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: méi (Second tone)
3. Meaning
\u0022Mold; mildew; musty; rotten; spoilage; decay\u0022
4. Common Words
- 发霉 (fāméi) - \u0022To become moldy; to grow mildew\u0022
- 霉菌 (méijūn) - \u0022Mold; fungus\u0022
- 霉味 (méiwèi) - \u0022Musty smell; moldy odor\u0022
- 霉烂 (méilàn) - \u0022Rotten and moldy\u0022
- 霉点 (méidiǎn) - \u0022Mildew spot\u0022
- 倒霉 (dǎoméi) - \u0022Unlucky; unfortunate\u0022
- 霉运 (méiyùn) - \u0022Bad luck; misfortune\u0022
- 去霉 (qùméi) - \u0022To remove mold\u0022
5. Grammar & Usage
The character \u0022霉\u0022 is primarily used in words related to mold, decay, or bad luck. When used in compound words like \u0022发霉\u0022 (to become moldy), it functions as a noun describing the state of decay. In expressions like \u0022倒霉\u0022 (unlucky), it takes on a metaphorical meaning of bad fortune or misfortune.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, mold and mildew have traditionally been associated with neglect, poor storage conditions, and humidity. The concept of \u0022霉运\u0022 (bad luck) is deeply rooted in folk beliefs, where people would take measures to ward off misfortune. In some regions, there are customs like hanging herbs or airing out homes to prevent mold and \u0022bad energy\u0022.
7. Example Sentence
这天气太潮湿了，衣服都发霉了。
Zhè tiānqì tài cháoshī le, yīfu dōu fāméi le.
\u0022The weather is too humid, and the clothes have all become moldy.\u0022
8. Memory Tips
The character \u0022霉\u0022 consists of the \u0022雨\u0022 (rain) radical on top and \u0022每\u0022 (each) below. You can remember it as \u0022rain on everything\u0022 which causes mold and mildew. The pronunciation \u0022méi\u0022 is similar to the English word \u0022may\u0022, but with a rising tone.