Learn a Chinese Character - 牧

1. Character Basics

Radical: 牛 (niú, cow/ox)

Stroke Count: 8 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: mù (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

to herd; to tend; to pasture; to graze; shepherd; herdsman; tending livestock; raising animals; pasturing animals; grazing animals; herding sheep; tending cows; managing livestock; pastoral; farming; animal husbandry; stock raising; herding; pasturage; grazier

4. Common Words

• 牧民 (mù mín) - herdsman; nomadic people
• 牧场 (mù chǎng) - pasture; grazing land
• 牧羊 (mù yáng) - to herd sheep
• 牧牛 (mù niú) - to herd cows
• 畜牧业 (xù mù yè) - animal husbandry
• 牧童 (mù tóng) - shepherd boy
• 牧草 (mù cǎo) - pasture grass
• 游牧 (yóu mù) - nomadic herding

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "牧" primarily functions as a verb meaning "to herd" or "to tend" livestock, and can also be used as a noun referring to shepherding or herding activities. It is often combined with other characters to form compound words related to animal husbandry and pastoral life.

• Verb Usage: Indicates the action of herding or tending animals (e.g., "牧羊" - to herd sheep, "牧牛" - to herd cows).
• Noun Usage: Refers to the practice or profession of herding (e.g., "畜牧业" - animal husbandry, "牧民" - herdsman).
• Modifier in Compound Words: Used as a prefix to form words related to herding or pasture (e.g., "牧场" - pasture, "牧草" - pasture grass).
• Classical Chinese Usage: In classical texts, often appears with a more literary meaning of "to govern" or "to rule" (metaphorical extension from herding animals to guiding people).
• Idiomatic Expressions: Appears in idioms related to pastoral life or governance (e.g., "牧民之道" - the way to govern the people).

6. Cultural Background

The character "牧" has deep cultural significance in Chinese civilization, reflecting the importance of animal husbandry in ancient society. Historically, herding was a vital economic activity, especially in northern China, and "牧" became closely associated with nomadic cultures and rural life.

In traditional Chinese philosophy, "牧" took on metaphorical meanings related to governance. The concept of "牧民" (herding the people) was used to describe the role of rulers, emphasizing the responsibility to guide and care for the populace, similar to how a shepherd cares for their flock.

Chinese literature and poetry often romanticize pastoral life, with "牧" appearing in idyllic descriptions of rural scenes, shepherd boys, and the harmony between humans and nature. This imagery continues to influence Chinese art, literature, and cultural ideals.

Today, while industrialization has transformed many aspects of Chinese society, the character "牧" remains an important cultural symbol, preserving connections to China's agricultural past and traditional values of caretaking and stewardship.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "牧" consists of 8 strokes. It can be visualized as combining the radical "牛" (niú, cow/ox) with the character "攵" (pū, to tap or hit), representing the action of tending or herding animals.

• Structure Analysis: Break it down into "牛" (niú, cow) on the left and "攵" (pū, to tap) on the right. This visually represents a person (indicated by "攵") tending to an animal ("牛").
• Sound Association: The pronunciation "mù" rhymes with "木" (mù, wood) and "目" (mù, eye), making it easy to remember.
• Meaning Connection: Think of a shepherd or herdsman guiding their animals through a pasture, which directly connects to the meaning of "herding" or "tending".
• Character Components: Recognize that "牛" (cow/ox) is the radical, indicating the character's connection to animals, while "攵" suggests action or movement.
• Memory Mnemonic: Create a mental image of a person gently tapping (攵) a cow (牛) to guide it, representing the action of herding. The phrase "牧童遥指杏花村" (A shepherd boy points to Apricot Flower Village in the distance) from a famous poem can also help reinforce the character's meaning and usage.