Learn a Chinese Character - 摩

1. Character Basics

Radical: 手 (hand radical, simplified as 扌 radical, representing actions done by hand)

Stroke Count: 15 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: mó (Second tone)

3. Meaning

To rub; to stroke; to caress; to touch; to friction; to grind; to polish; to massage; to feel; to brush against; to scrape; to erode; to rub down; to smooth; to wear away

4. Common Words

• \u6478\u6478 (mō mō) - To stroke; to pat; to caress
• \u6478\u63a8 (mō tuō) - To massage; to rub
• \u6478\u609f (mō jué) - To feel; to perceive; to sense
• \u6478\u7802 (mō jiān) - To feel the pulse (in traditional Chinese medicine)
• \u6478\u80c6 (mō gǔ) - To massage the bones
• \u9ad8\u6478 (gāo mó) - High friction; high attrition
• \u7814\u6478 (yán mó) - Research; study; investigate
• \u6478\u84b8\u6478\u6d17 (mō nòng mō cā) - To fiddle with; to handle; to touch repeatedly

5. Grammar & Usage

The character \u6478\u0022 is primarily used as a verb, indicating actions related to rubbing, stroking, or massaging. Here are the common grammatical patterns:

• As a transitive verb: Used with an object to indicate the action of rubbing or stroking. Example: \u6478\u5934\u0022 (mó tóu) meaning "to stroke the head"
• With complements: Often followed by complements to describe the result or manner of the action. Example: \u6478\u7ed3\u0022 (mó jié) meaning "to rub until smooth"
• In compound verbs: Frequently combined with other verbs to form compound verbs. Example: \u6478\u63a8\u0022 (mō tuō) meaning "to massage"
• In idiomatic expressions: Used in various idioms and set phrases. Example: \u6478\u84b8\u6478\u6d17\u0022 (mō nòng mō cā) meaning "to fiddle with"
• In medical context: Specifically used in traditional Chinese medicine to refer to pulse diagnosis. Example: \u6478\u7802\u0022 (mō jiān) meaning "to feel the pulse"

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the concept of \u6478\u0022 (rubbing or massaging) has deep roots in traditional Chinese medicine and wellness practices. The practice of \u6478\u7802\u0022 (mō jiān, pulse diagnosis) is a fundamental diagnostic method in traditional Chinese medicine, dating back over 2,000 years.

Additionally, various forms of therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilize the principle of \u6478\u0022 have been developed and refined in Chinese culture, such as Tuina massage. These practices are not only valued for their physical benefits but also considered an important part of maintaining overall health and balance according to traditional Chinese medical philosophy.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character \u6478\u0022 has 15 strokes and is composed of the \u62c5\u0022 (hand radical, simplified as 扌 radical) on the left and \u9ebb\u0022 (hemp) on the right. Here are some tips to help you remember this character:

• Structure analysis: The left part \u62c5\u0022 (hand radical) indicates that it's related to actions done by hand, while the right part \u9ebb\u0022 (hemp) suggests the concept of something rough or fibrous, combining to imply "to rub with the hand"
• Pronunciation memory: The right part \u9ebb\u0022 (má) provides a pronunciation clue for the 'mó' pronunciation
• Meaning association: Connect \u6478\u0022 with the action of massaging or rubbing
• Stroke order practice: Focus on the correct sequence of strokes, especially for the complex right part \u9ebb\u0022
• Usage examples: Use words like \u6478\u7802\u0022 (mō jiān) and \u6478\u63a8\u0022 (mō tuō) in sentences to reinforce memory