Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
亹 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
亹ménbusy; resolute; to exert; to make progresszg, 21 strokes, radical 亠
亹ménmountain passunknown, 21 strokes, radical 亠
亹méndefile (archaic)unknown, 21 strokes, radical 亠
亹wěibusy; resolute; to exert; to make progresszg, 21 strokes, radical 亠
亹wěimountain passunknown, 21 strokes, radical 亠
亹wěidefile (archaic)unknown, 21 strokes, radical 亠
mén(men2)
primary
 T2
  1. 1busy; resolute; to exert; to make progress
  2. 2mountain pass
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

亹mén(men2)

The character 亹 (mén) conveys a sense of being busy or resolute, often associated with making progress or exerting effort. It can also refer to a mountain pass or defile, indicating a specific geographical feature. While its usage is less common in modern Mandarin, it may appear in literary contexts or historical texts.

Strokes21Radical亠
Cultural Note

In ancient Chinese literature, characters like 亹 symbolize the human struggle against nature, reflecting the importance of perseverance and effort in Chinese philosophy. This aligns with traditional values of hard work and determination.

Memory Tip

Imagine a determined mountain climber (亹) pushing through a narrow mountain pass (the meaning of 'defile'). The character's shape resembles a person moving resolutely through challenging terrain, making it easier to remember both its pronunciation and meaning.

Meanings of 亹

mén(men2)
primary
1busy; resolute; to exert; to make progress
2mountain pass
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 亹

亹Simplified
21Strokes
亠Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 亹

JasonAmy

Podcast: 亹

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 亹

Usage Notes

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation and may be more relevant in literary or archaic contexts. Learners should be cautious about its formality level and avoid using it in casual speech. Common collocations include terms related to effort and progress.

HSK Study Tips

亹 is not included in the HSK levels, but understanding it can enrich your vocabulary, especially in reading classical texts. Focus on recognizing it in context, particularly in literary or historical references.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 亹 with more commonly used characters for 'busy' or 'determined.' For example, saying '我亹' instead of '我忙' (I am busy) is incorrect; '亹' should be avoided in everyday speech.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 亹

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 亹 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 亹

Learn more about character formation (六书)

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 亹

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

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

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.

Decomposition of 亹

IDS Structure⿱亠舋
亹Full Character
=
亠tou2
top
舋xin4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 亹?

How to say busy; resolute; to exert; to make progress in Chinese

“busy; resolute; to exert; to make progress” in Chinese is亹mén

The character 亹 (mén) conveys a sense of being busy or resolute, often associated with making progress or exerting effort. It can also refer to a mountain pass or defile, indicating a specific geographical feature. While its usage is less common in modern Mandarin, it may appear in literary contexts or historical texts.

When to use 亹

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation and may be more relevant in literary or archaic contexts. Learners should be cautious about its formality level and avoid using it in casual speech. Common collocations include terms related to effort and progress.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 亹 with more commonly used characters for 'busy' or 'determined.' For example, saying '我亹' instead of '我忙' (I am busy) is incorrect; '亹' should be avoided in everyday speech.

Write 亹

亹

Practice writing 亹 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 亹

Words Containing This Character1
亹ménmountain pass
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 亹 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 亹

No, 亹 is generally considered archaic and is not frequently used in contemporary conversations.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 亹?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.