Chinese Character: 庙
1. Character Basics
Radical: \u0022广\u0022 (guǎng, \u0022wide/extensive\u0022)
Stroke Count: 8 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: miào (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Temple; shrine; hall; imperial ancestral temple; place of worship; sacred building
4. Common Words
- \u0022庙宇\u0022 (miào yǔ) - \u0022temple; shrine\u0022
- \u0022庙会\u0022 (miào huì) - \u0022temple fair; religious festival\u0022
- \u0022寺庙\u0022 (sì miào) - \u0022Buddhist temple\u0022
- \u0022祖庙\u0022 (zǔ miào) - \u0022ancestral temple\u0022
- \u0022孔庙\u0022 (kǒng miào) - \u0022Confucian temple\u0022
- \u0022城隍庙\u0022 (chéng huáng miào) - \u0022City God temple\u0022
- \u0022土地庙\u0022 (tǔ dì miào) - \u0022Earth God temple\u0022
- \u0022庙祝\u0022 (miào zhù) - \u0022temple keeper; priest\u0022
5. Grammar & Usage
\u0022庙\u0022 is primarily used as a noun referring to temples or shrines. Common grammatical patterns include:
- As a standalone noun: \u0022去庙\u0022 (go to the temple)
- As part of compound nouns describing different types of temples: \u0022寺庙\u0022 (Buddhist temple), \u0022孔庙\u0022 (Confucian temple)
- With classifiers: \u0022一座庙\u0022 (one temple), \u0022几座庙\u0022 (several temples)
- In phrases indicating location: \u0022庙前\u0022 (in front of the temple), \u0022庙里\u0022 (inside the temple)
- In idiomatic expressions related to religious or cultural practices
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, temples (\u0022庙\u0022) hold immense significance as centers of religious, cultural, and social activities. They are not only places of worship but also repositories of history, art, and traditional values. Throughout Chinese history, temples have served as important community gathering places for festivals, rituals, and cultural events.
The concept of \u0022庙\u0022 extends beyond religious buildings to include ancestral temples, which reflect the traditional Chinese emphasis on filial piety and respect for ancestors. In contemporary China, temples continue to play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage while also adapting to modern contexts. Many famous temples have become important tourist attractions, allowing visitors to experience Chinese religious practices and architectural styles.
7. Example Sentence
周末我们去参观了当地的古庙。
We visited the local ancient temple on the weekend.
8. Memory Tips
The character \u0022庙\u0022 consists of the radical \u0022广\u0022 (guǎng, wide/extensive) on the top, which often relates to buildings or shelters, and \u0022朝\u0022 (cháo) at the bottom. To remember \u0022庙\u0022, you can think of it as a \u0022wide/extensive building for worshipping\u0022 or \u0022a place where people gather to honor ancestors or deities\u0022.
Another mnemonic: the \u0022广\u0022 radical suggests a roof, and the lower part \u0022朝\u0022 can remind you of the morning (as in \u0022朝阳\u0022 - morning sun), which is a common time for temple visits and rituals. Practicing writing the character with correct stroke order will also help reinforce your memory.