Learn a Chinese Character - 幕

1. Character Basics

Radical: 巾 (jīn, cloth/towel)

Stroke Count: 13 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: mù (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

curtain; screen; veil; cloth; drape; backdrop; stage curtain; scene; act; episode; period; interval; moment; chapter; veil-like covering; layer; cover; shroud; fabric; tapestry

4. Common Words

• 幕布 (mùbù) - curtain; drape; backdrop
• 屏幕 (píngmù) - screen; display
• 开幕 (kāimù) - opening (of an event); to open
• 闭幕 (bìmù) - closing (of an event); to close
• 幕前 (mùqián) - in front of the curtain; on stage
• 幕后 (mùhòu) - behind the scenes; backstage
• 字幕 (zìmù) - subtitles; captions
• 一幕 (yīmù) - a scene; an act; an episode

5. Grammar & Usage

"幕" is primarily used as a noun referring to curtains, screens, or various types of coverings. It is commonly found in compound words related to stages, performances, or visual displays. In literary contexts, it can also refer to a period of time or an episode.

• Noun Usage: As a standalone noun to refer to a curtain or screen.
• Modifier in Compound Words: Often combined with other characters to form words related to curtains, stages, or periods of time.
• Measure Word: When used in phrases like "一幕戏" (yī mù xì), meaning "a scene in a play".
• Figurative Usage: In expressions like "幕后" (mùhòu) meaning "behind the scenes" in a figurative sense.
• Formal and Literary Contexts: Frequently used in formal writing, literature, and performance-related contexts.

6. Cultural Background

In traditional Chinese culture, the "幕" (curtain) has held significant symbolic value, particularly in the context of performing arts. For centuries, curtains have been used in Chinese theater to separate the stage from the audience, creating a sense of anticipation and marking the beginning and end of performances.

The concept of "幕后" (mùhòu, behind the scenes) has evolved into a widely used idiom in Chinese society, referring to the hidden aspects of events or the people who work behind the scenes to make things happen. This reflects the cultural appreciation for both visible achievements and the often unseen efforts that support them.

In Chinese architecture and interior design, decorative curtains and screens have long been used not just for practical purposes but also as artistic elements that reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of different periods. From imperial palaces to traditional homes, curtains were often intricately embroidered with symbolic patterns.

Today, the character "幕" continues to be relevant in modern Chinese culture, particularly in the context of film, television, and digital media. Terms like "屏幕" (píngmù, screen) and "字幕" (zìmù, subtitles) have become essential vocabulary in the digital age, demonstrating how traditional characters adapt to new technological contexts.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "幕" has 13 strokes and is composed of two parts: the radical "巾" (jīn, cloth/towel) on the bottom, which indicates its relation to fabric, and the upper part "莫" (mò), which provides the pronunciation.

• Structure Analysis: Break the character into "莫" (mò) on top and "巾" (jīn) on bottom. Remember that "莫" provides the sound, while "巾" indicates the meaning related to cloth.
• Sound Association: The pronunciation "mù" is similar to the English word "mood", which can help with memorization.
• Meaning Connection: Think of a stage curtain (幕布) opening and closing to represent the primary meaning of "幕".
• Character Components: The upper part "莫" can be further broken down into "艹" (cǎo, grass) and "大" (dà, big) with "日" (rì, sun) in the middle. Imagine a big sun setting behind grass, and a curtain (巾) below it.
• Memory Mnemonic: Create a mental image: "At dusk (莫), the curtain (巾) is drawn to end the day's performance." This connects both the sound and meaning.