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March 24, 2026
马虎(馬虎)mǎhu(ma3hu5)
马虎 (mǎ hū) describes a person who is careless or negligent in their actions, leading to mistakes or oversights. This term is often used in contexts where attention to detail is important, such as in work or school settings, emphasizing the need for thoroughness and precision.
Frequency#19492DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
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.
Memory Tip
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.
Meanings of 马虎
mǎhu(ma3hu5)
1careless
2sloppy
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About 马虎
马虎Simplified
馬虎Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#19492Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 马虎
Podcast: 马虎
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AI Study Notes for 马虎
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 马虎
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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.
Are you a good swimmer? -- Just so - so. I can't swim far.
6
他跪在溪边, 马马虎虎地盥洗了一下.
tā guì zài xī biān, , mǎ mǎ hǔ hǔ dì guàn xǐ le yī.
Kneeling beside the stream, he made a rough toilet.
Cultural Notes for 马虎
🏮Cultural insight
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.
马虎 is more common in spoken language and informal writing; in formal contexts, it's better to use terms like 粗心 or 不细心.
The opposite of 马虎 is 细心 (xì xīn), which means careful or attentive.
