Learn a Chinese Character - 迷

1. Character Basics

Radical: 辶 (chuò) - Walking radical

Stroke Count: 9 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: mí (Second tone)

3. Meaning

To be lost; to be confused; to be fascinated; fan; enthusiast; maze; labyrinth; to bewilder; to perplex

4. Common Words

• 迷路 (mílù) - To get lost; to lose one's way
• 迷人 (mírén) - Charming; fascinating; attractive
• 球迷 (qiúmí) - Sports fan; ball game enthusiast
• 迷宫 (mígōng) - Maze; labyrinth
• 迷惑 (míhuò) - To confuse; to perplex; to baffle
• 入迷 (rùmí) - To be fascinated; to be engrossed
• 迷信 (míxìn) - Superstition; to be superstitious
• 迷你 (mínǐ) - Mini; miniature; small-sized

5. Grammar & Usage

The character \"迷\" is often used as a verb meaning \"to be lost\" or \"to be confused\" (e.g., 迷路, mílù - to get lost). It can also function as an adjective when combined with other characters (e.g., 迷人, mírén - charming). Additionally, \"迷\" is commonly used as a suffix to form nouns indicating enthusiasts or fans (e.g., 球迷, qiúmí - sports fan). When used in the structure \"被...迷惑\" (bèi...míhuò), it means \"to be confused by...\" or \"to be bewildered by...\"

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the concept of being \"迷\" (mí) has rich connotations. Traditional Chinese literature often uses metaphors of being lost or confused to represent spiritual journeys or philosophical quests. The character is also commonly used in modern Chinese pop culture to refer to fans of celebrities or hobbies, reflecting the evolution of its meaning over time. Additionally, the idea of \"迷路\" (mílù) - getting lost - is sometimes seen metaphorically as a necessary part of self-discovery in Chinese philosophical thought.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character \"迷\" is composed of two parts: \"米\" (mǐ) meaning \"rice\" and \"辶\" (chuò) meaning \"walking\". You can remember it by thinking: \"When you're walking and looking for rice (or food), you might get lost.\" The \"辶\" radical indicates movement, which connects to the idea of being lost while moving. Additionally, associating \"迷\" with common words like 迷路 (mílù - to get lost) or 球迷 (qiúmí - sports fan) can help reinforce your memory of this character and its various meanings.