Meanings of 馱
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About 馱
Podcast: 馱
Podcast: 馱
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AI Study Notes for 馱
Be careful not to confuse 馱 with similar sounding characters that have different meanings. This word is more formal and may not be used in everyday casual conversation. Common collocations include phrases like '背馱' (bēi tuó), meaning 'to carry on one's back'.
Although 馱 is not included in the HSK levels, it is useful for learners at the HSK 4-5 level who are expanding their vocabulary around transportation and physical actions. Focus on memorizing the character's components and pronunciation to aid in retention.
Learners often confuse 馱 with 背 (bēi), which also means 'to carry' but in a more general sense. Remember that 馱 specifically implies carrying something on one's back, while 背 can refer to carrying in various ways.
Pronunciation of 馱
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Etymology of 馱
Phonosemantic compound. 马 represents the meaning and 大 represents the sound. Simplified form of 馱.
horse
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 馱
Phonosemantic compound. 马 represents the meaning and 大 represents the sound. Simplified form of 馱.
- 1The meaning half馬 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half大 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhorse
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 馱? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Decomposition of 馱
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How to say to carry on one's back in Chinese
“to carry on one's back” in Chinese is馱
The character 馱 (tuó) means 'to carry on one's back' and is often used in contexts related to transportation, especially of burdens or people. It can also imply the act of bearing or supporting weight in a physical sense, often associated with animals like horses or donkeys used for carrying loads.
When to use 馱
Be careful not to confuse 馱 with similar sounding characters that have different meanings. This word is more formal and may not be used in everyday casual conversation. Common collocations include phrases like '背馱' (bēi tuó), meaning 'to carry on one's back'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 馱 with 背 (bēi), which also means 'to carry' but in a more general sense. Remember that 馱 specifically implies carrying something on one's back, while 背 can refer to carrying in various ways.
Write 馱
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Practice writing 馱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 馱
Compound Meaning
What does 驮 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 馱
It is pronounced 'tuó' with a rising tone.
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