Meanings of 马虎
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About 马虎
Podcast: 马虎
Podcast: 马虎
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AI Study Notes for 马虎
粗心 (cū xīn, careless) vs 马虎 (mǎ hu, negligent) — use 粗心 for a broader sense of carelessness, while 马虎 specifically implies negligence leading to mistakes.
Imagine a horse (马, mǎ) running wildly, not paying attention to where it steps. This horse is 'careless' and 'sloppy' (虎, hū) in its actions, creating a vivid image of negligence that helps you remember the meaning and pronunciation.
马虎 is generally used in informal conversations, but can be used in semi-formal contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with other terms like 粗心 (cū xīn), which also means careless but has a slightly different nuance. Pay attention to the tone: the third tone (mǎ) must be pronounced correctly to avoid confusion.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 马虎 connects with other terms that describe behavior and personality traits. Students should focus on using it in sentences that illustrate carelessness in various contexts, enhancing their vocabulary related to personal characteristics.
In Chinese culture, being 马虎 is often frowned upon, especially in professional settings, where diligence and attention to detail are highly valued. This reflects the broader cultural emphasis on responsibility and respect for one's work.
Learners often confuse 马虎 with other similar words like 粗心, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '他很马虎' (tā hěn mǎ hū) is correct, but saying '他很粗心' (tā hěn cū xīn) would be better in a context emphasizing a lack of carefulness in thought.
Pronunciation of 马虎
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 马虎
马虎 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
考试的事____不得。
The matter of the exam — you must not be careless.
Example Sentences for 马虎 (6)
Cultural Notes for 马虎
In Chinese culture, being 马虎 is often frowned upon, especially in professional settings, where diligence and attention to detail are highly valued. This reflects the broader cultural emphasis on responsibility and respect for one's work.
Frequently Asked Questions about 马虎
While 马虎 is primarily used to describe people, you can use it to refer to someone's work or effort, implying that it was done carelessly.