Chinese Character: 蔑
1. Character Basics
Radical: \u0022⺾\u0022 (miè, grain) or \u0022艹\u0022 (cǎo, grass)
Stroke Count: 14 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: miè (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
To scorn; to despise; to belittle; to look down upon; to slight; to disdain; to contemn
4. Common Words
- \u0022蔑视\u0022 (miè shì) - to scorn; to despise
- \u0022污蔑\u0022 (wū miè) - to slander; to calumniate
- \u0022轻蔑\u0022 (qīng miè) - contemptuous; disdainful
- \u0022蔑視\u0022 (miè shì) - same as 蔑视, to scorn
- \u0022蔑称\u0022 (miè chēng) - a derogatory term; a contemptuous name
- \u0022蔑弃\u0022 (miè qì) - to scorn and abandon; to cast aside contemptuously
- \u0022蔑如\u0022 (miè rú) - negligible; insignificant
- \u0022蔑伦悖理\u0022 (miè lún bèi lǐ) - contrary to ethics and reason; unprincipled
5. Grammar & Usage
\u0022蔑\u0022 is primarily used as a verb or morpheme meaning \u0022to scorn\u0022 or \u0022to despise\u0022. It is often found in compound words rather than being used independently in modern Chinese. Here are common grammatical patterns:
- As a verb component in compounds: \u0022蔑视\u0022 (miè shì) - to scorn
- In adjectival compounds: \u0022轻蔑\u0022 (qīng miè) - contemptuous
- In verbs expressing false accusation: \u0022污蔑\u0022 (wū miè) - to slander
- In formal or literary expressions: \u0022蔑如\u0022 (miè rú) - negligible
- In idiomatic expressions: \u0022蔑伦悖理\u0022 (miè lún bèi lǐ) - contrary to ethics
6. Cultural Background
The character \u0022蔑\u0022 carries significant cultural connotations related to social hierarchy and moral judgment in Chinese society. Historically, it was often used in classical texts to express disapproval or disdain towards individuals who violated social norms or ethical principles.
In traditional Chinese culture, showing \u0022轻蔑\u0022 (contempt) towards others was generally frowned upon as it disrupted social harmony. However, the character was also used to criticize improper behavior, reflecting the importance of maintaining moral standards. Today, while the concept of expressing disdain remains, modern Chinese society places greater emphasis on mutual respect and understanding.
7. Example Sentence
他轻蔑地看着对方，一言不发。
He looked at the other person contemptuously without saying a word.
8. Memory Tips
The character \u0022蔑\u0022 (miè) consists of \u0022⺾\u0022 (\u0022grain/grass radical\u0022) at the top and \u0022戌\u0022 (\u0022xū, a Chinese zodiac sign representing dog\u0022) at the bottom. While the exact origin of this combination isn't entirely clear, one way to remember it is by associating the grass/grain radical with \u0022something that can be easily looked down upon or considered insignificant\u0022.
To help remember the character, think of the feeling of \u0022disdain\u0022 (\u0022蔑\u0022) as something that grows (\u0022like grass\u0022) in your heart when you look down upon someone or something. This association between the visual components and the meaning can make it easier to recall both the form and the definition of the character.