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牦 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
牦máotail, hair; yakn, 8 strokes, radical 牛
牦máoyak (Bos grunniens)unknown, 8 strokes, radical 牛
máo(mao2) T2
  1. 1tail, hair; yak
  2. 2yak (Bos grunniens)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

牦(氂)máo(mao2)

The character 牦 (máo) primarily refers to the hair or tail of a yak, an important animal in Tibetan and Himalayan cultures. It can also refer specifically to the yak itself, which is known for its hardiness and utility in high-altitude environments. In a broader context, it symbolizes strength and resilience.

Strokes8Radical牛
Cultural Note

In Tibetan culture, yaks are vital for transportation, clothing, and food. The hair of the yak is often used to make warm clothing and blankets, showcasing the animal's importance in everyday life.

Memory Tip

Imagine a long, flowing tail of a yak swaying in the wind. The character 牦 looks like a 'tail' (the radical 牛 represents cattle), and 'máo' sounds like 'mow,' as if you're mowing down the grass where these sturdy animals graze.

Meanings of 牦

máo(mao2)
1tail, hair; yak
2yak (Bos grunniens)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 牦

牦Simplified
氂Traditional
8Strokes
牛Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 牦

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Podcast: 牦

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 牦

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 牦 with similar-sounding characters. It is most commonly used in specific contexts related to yaks, so avoid using it in general discussions about animals unless referring to yaks specifically. Note that it is more commonly used in certain regions, particularly in Tibetan areas.

HSK Study Tips

While 牦 is not currently part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to other level-appropriate words about animals and nature. Students should focus on understanding its specific use in context and how it relates to the cultural significance of yaks in Tibetan life.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 牦 with 毛 (máo), which means 'hair' or 'fur' more generally. Remember, 牦 specifically refers to the hair or tail of a yak, while 毛 can refer to hair in general.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 牦

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Etymology of 牦

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

The fur 毛 of an ox 牛; 毛 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 牦

  1. 1The giveawayThe fur 毛 of an ox 牛; 毛 also provides the pronunciation
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 牦? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 牦?

Decomposition of 牦

IDS Structure⿰牛毛
牦Full Character
=
牛Niu2
left
毛Mao2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 牦?

How to say tail, hair; yak in Chinese

“tail, hair; yak” in Chinese is牦máo

The character 牦 (máo) primarily refers to the hair or tail of a yak, an important animal in Tibetan and Himalayan cultures. It can also refer specifically to the yak itself, which is known for its hardiness and utility in high-altitude environments. In a broader context, it symbolizes strength and resilience.

When to use 牦

Be careful not to confuse 牦 with similar-sounding characters. It is most commonly used in specific contexts related to yaks, so avoid using it in general discussions about animals unless referring to yaks specifically. Note that it is more commonly used in certain regions, particularly in Tibetan areas.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 牦 with 毛 (máo), which means 'hair' or 'fur' more generally. Remember, 牦 specifically refers to the hair or tail of a yak, while 毛 can refer to hair in general.

Write 牦

牦

Practice writing 牦 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 牦

Words Containing This Character2
牦牛yak (Bos grunniens)氂牛
牦máoyak (Bos grunniens)氂
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 牦牛 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 牦

A yak is a long-haired domesticated bovid found in the Himalayan region, known for its strength and ability to survive in harsh climates.

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