Learn a Chinese Character - 抹

1. Character Basics

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

Stroke Count: 8 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: mǒ (Third tone)

3. Meaning

To wipe; to rub; to spread; to apply; to erase; to remove; to smudge; to blot; to daub; to stroke; to brush; to clean by wiping; to eliminate; to cross out; to cancel; to cover up

4. Common Words

• 抹掉 (mǒ diào) - to erase; to delete
• 涂抹 (tú mǒ) - to spread; to daub; to apply
• 抹煞 (mǒ shā) - to obliterate; to nullify
• 抹黑 (mǒ hēi) - to blacken; to smear; to defame
• 抹泪 (mǒ lèi) - to wipe away tears
• 抹药 (mǒ yào) - to apply medicine
• 抹桌子 (mǒ zhuō zi) - to wipe the table
• 抹嘴 (mǒ zuǐ) - to wipe one's mouth

5. Grammar & Usage

"抹" is primarily a transitive verb meaning "to wipe", "to rub", "to spread", or "to apply". It is often used with objects to indicate the action of cleaning, removing, or applying something by hand.

• Verb + Object: 抹桌子 (wipe the table), 抹眼泪 (wipe away tears)
• Verb + Complement: 抹干净 (wipe clean), 抹掉 (erase)
• Verb + Prepositional Phrase: 往脸上抹化妆品 (apply makeup to the face)
• Reduplicated Form: 抹一抹 (wipe slightly), 涂抹涂抹 (spread a little)
• Figurative Use: 抹黑 (smear someone's reputation), 抹煞成绩 (obliterate achievements)

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the character "抹" is closely associated with daily life activities and personal grooming. Traditional Chinese medicine often uses the concept of "涂抹" (tú mǒ) for applying herbal ointments and pastes to treat various ailments.

In Chinese art, particularly in traditional painting and calligraphy, the technique of "抹" refers to a specific brush stroke method used to create different textures and effects. It demonstrates the precision and skill required in these traditional art forms.

The phrase "抹黑" (mǒ hēi) has cultural significance as it relates to preserving one's reputation and honor, which are highly valued in Chinese society. Conversely, "抹泪" (mǒ lèi) is a common gesture of emotional expression in both traditional and modern Chinese culture.

From a practical perspective, the action of "抹" is ingrained in Chinese daily routines, from cleaning household items to personal hygiene practices, reflecting the character's importance in everyday life.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "抹" has 8 strokes and is composed of "扌" (hand radical) on the left and "末" (end) on the right. The combination suggests the action of using your hand to bring something to an end or remove it.

• Structure Analysis: The left side "扌" indicates a hand action, while the right side "末" means "end" or "tip". Together they represent actions like wiping something to its end.
• Sound Association: The right part "末" (mò) helps with remembering the pronunciation "mǒ" (slight tone difference).
• Meaning Connection: Think of common actions like wiping a table (抹桌子) or applying lotion (涂抹) to connect the character with its uses.
• Stroke Practice: Focus on writing the "扌" radical correctly first, then add the "末" part on the right side.
• Usage Examples: Create simple sentences with words containing "抹" to reinforce your memory of both the character and its meanings.