Learn a Chinese Character - 眯

1. Character Basics

Radical: 目 (mù) - Eye radical

Stroke Count: 11 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: mī (First tone)

3. Meaning

To narrow one's eyes; to squint; to close one's eyes slightly

4. Common Words

• 眯眼 (mīyǎn) - To squint; to narrow one's eyes
• 眯缝 (mīfeng) - To narrow one's eyes into slits
• 眯着眼睛 (mīzhe yǎnjīng) - With eyes narrowed
• 眯一下 (mī yīxià) - To take a short nap; to close one's eyes briefly
• 眯盹儿 (mīdǔnr) - To doze off; to take a short nap
• 眯成一条缝 (mīchéng yītiáo fèng) - To narrow into a slit
• 眯着眼笑 (mīzhe yǎn xiào) - To smile with narrowed eyes
• 眯着眼看 (mīzhe yǎn kàn) - To look with narrowed eyes

5. Grammar & Usage

The character \u0022眯\u0022 is primarily a verb that describes the action of narrowing or squinting one's eyes. It is often used with \u0022眼\u0022 (eye) to form the common phrase \u0022眯眼\u0022 (to squint). It can also be used in the structure \u0022眯着眼睛\u0022 (with eyes narrowed) to describe a state. Additionally, \u0022眯\u0022 can mean to take a short nap, as in \u0022眯一下\u0022 (to take a quick nap).

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the action of \u0022眯眼\u0022 (squinting) can have different cultural connotations. It can indicate concentration when looking at something far away or in bright light. It can also be a sign of suspicion or scrutiny in certain contexts. Additionally, the phrase \u0022眯盹儿\u0022 (taking a short nap) reflects the traditional Chinese value of rest and rejuvenation, as short naps are often seen as a way to refresh oneself during long workdays.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character \u0022眯\u0022 consists of the radical \u0022目\u0022 (eye) on the left and \u0022米\u0022 (rice) on the right. You can think of it as \u0022squinting your eyes to see rice grains\u0022 or \u0022narrowing your eyes like rice grains\u0022. The pronunciation \u0022mī\u0022 rhymes with the English word \u0022me\u0022, but with a higher tone.