Learn a Chinese Character - 孟

1. Character Basics

Radical: 子 (zǐ) - Child radical

Stroke Count: 8 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: mèng (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

First; eldest; beginning; a surname; the first month of summer in the traditional Chinese calendar

4. Common Words

• 孟子 (Mèngzǐ) - Mencius, ancient Chinese philosopher
• 孟春 (Mèngchūn) - The first month of spring
• 孟夏 (Mèngxià) - The first month of summer
• 孟秋 (Mèngqiū) - The first month of autumn
• 孟冬 (Mèngdōng) - The first month of winter
• 孟氏 (Mèngshì) - The Meng family
• 孟浪 (mènglàng) - Rash; impetuous; reckless
• 孟婆 (Mèngpó) - The Goddess of forgetfulness in Chinese mythology

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "孟" is primarily used in specific contexts. When combined with season names (春, 夏, 秋, 冬), it forms terms for the first month of each season in the traditional Chinese calendar. It is also commonly used as a surname. In classical Chinese, it can mean "eldest" when referring to siblings. The usage of "孟" is relatively formal and is not commonly used in everyday conversation except in specific idioms or proper nouns.

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, "孟" holds significant meaning. It is most famously known as the surname of Mencius (孟子), one of the most important philosophers in Confucianism, second only to Confucius himself. The character's association with "first" or "beginning" is reflected in the traditional Chinese calendar, where each season is divided into three months, with "孟" designating the first month. This division demonstrates the Chinese cultural emphasis on order and harmony with nature.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "孟" consists of "子" (zǐ, child) at the bottom and a variant of "皿" (mǐn, dish) on top. You can remember it as "a child under a cover," which relates to its meaning of "first" or "beginning" as the earliest stage of growth. Alternatively, you can associate it with the famous philosopher Mencius (孟子) to help remember its pronunciation and cultural significance.