Learn a Chinese Character - 暮

1. Character Basics

Radical: 日 (rì, sun)

Stroke Count: 14 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: mù (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

evening; dusk; twilight; sunset; nightfall; late afternoon; end of the day; the time just before night; the latter part of something; late stage; declining years; old age; final phase

4. Common Words

• 暮色 (mùsè) - dusk; twilight; evening glow
• 暮年 (mùnián) - old age; declining years
• 暮春 (mùchūn) - late spring
• 暮夏 (mùxià) - late summer
• 暮秋 (mùqiū) - late autumn
• 暮冬 (mùdōng) - late winter
• 暮鼓 (mùgǔ) - evening drum (in temples)
• 暮景 (mùjǐng) - evening scene; the scenery at dusk

5. Grammar & Usage

"暮" is primarily used as a noun or adjective referring to evening or the latter part of something. It is commonly found in compound words related to time, seasons, or stages of life. In literary contexts, it often carries poetic or metaphorical connotations.

• Noun Usage: As a standalone noun meaning "evening" or "dusk".
• Adjective Usage: When combined with other words to form compound adjectives describing something related to evening or the latter part of a period.
• Modifier in Compound Words: Frequently used as a prefix in words like "暮春" (mùchūn, late spring) and "暮年" (mùnián, old age).
• Formal and Literary Contexts: More commonly used in formal writing, poetry, and literature than in everyday conversation.
• Figurative Usage: Can be used figuratively to refer to the final or declining stage of something, such as a career or era.

6. Cultural Background

In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of "暮" (dusk or evening) has deep poetic and philosophical significance. It often symbolizes the passage of time, the transience of life, and the beauty of endings. This is particularly evident in classical Chinese poetry, where dusk is a recurring motif used to evoke emotions of melancholy, reflection, and nostalgia.

Many famous Chinese poets, such as Wang Wei and Du Fu, have written about the beauty of evening scenes, using "暮" to create vivid imagery and convey profound emotions. These poems reflect the cultural appreciation for the natural world and the belief that different times of day have their own unique aesthetic and philosophical value.

The character "暮" is also associated with traditional Chinese timekeeping and daily routines. In ancient China, the evening drum (暮鼓) and morning bell (晨钟) were used in temples to mark the passage of time and remind monks of their daily duties. This practice has left a lasting impact on Chinese language and culture, with phrases like "暮鼓晨钟" (mùgǔ chénzhōng) still used today to mean "timely reminders".

In contemporary Chinese culture, while the character "暮" retains its traditional meanings, it is also used in modern contexts to describe late stages or final phases of various phenomena. It continues to carry both literal and metaphorical connotations, reflecting the enduring relevance of classical Chinese cultural concepts in the modern world.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "暮" has 14 strokes and is composed of two parts: "莫" (mò) on top and "日" (rì, sun) at the bottom. Here are some tips to help you remember it:

• Structure Analysis: The bottom part is "日" (sun), which relates to the meaning of evening or sunset. The top part "莫" provides the sound component.
• Meaning Association: Think of the sun (日) setting below the grass or trees (represented by the top part), indicating the end of the day.
• Sound Connection: The pronunciation "mù" is similar to the English word "moo" but with a fourth tone. The top component "莫" (mò) has a similar sound.
• Character Components: Break it down into "莫" (mò) + "日" (rì). Learn these components separately first, then combine them.
• Memory Mnemonic: Imagine the sun (日) disappearing (莫) below the horizon, signaling the arrival of evening - "暮".