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March 24, 2026
冒险(冒險)màoxiǎn(mao4xian3)
冒险 (mào xiǎn) refers to the act of taking risks or engaging in activities that involve uncertainty and potential danger. It is commonly used in contexts related to adventure, exploration, and trying new things, highlighting both the excitement and the inherent risks involved.
Frequency#1542DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 冒险 is often associated with traditional stories of heroes who embark on perilous journeys, such as those found in classic literature like 'Journey to the West'. This reflects the value placed on bravery and the pursuit of personal growth through challenges.
Memory Tip
Imagine a brave explorer (冒) with a daring heart (险) setting out on an adventurous journey. The character 冒 resembles a person bending forward, ready to dive into the unknown, while 險 depicts a mountain, symbolizing the challenges ahead.
Meanings of 冒险
màoxiǎn(mao4xian3)
1to take risks
2to take chances
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About 冒险
冒险Simplified
冒險Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1542Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 冒险
Podcast: 冒险
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AI Study Notes for 冒险
Quick Contrast
冒险 (màoxiǎn) vs 探险 (tànxiǎn) — use 冒险 when emphasizing risk-taking, while 探险 focuses on exploration.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a brave explorer (冒) with a daring heart (险) setting out on an adventurous journey. The character 冒 resembles a person bending forward, ready to dive into the unknown, while 險 depicts a mountain, symbolizing the challenges ahead.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; the first character 冒 (mào) is pronounced with a falling tone and the second character 險 (xiǎn) with a rising tone. A common mistake is to confuse 冒险 with its synonyms like 冒失 (mào shī, reckless), which has a more negative connotation. Use 冒险 in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 冒险 connects with other vocabulary related to risk and adventure. Students should focus on using it in sentences that express willingness to take risks, as well as exploring related phrases like 冒险精神 (mào xiǎn jīng shén, adventurous spirit).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 冒险 is often associated with traditional stories of heroes who embark on perilous journeys, such as those found in classic literature like 'Journey to the West'. This reflects the value placed on bravery and the pursuit of personal growth through challenges.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 冒险 with similar words like 冒失 (mào shī). For example, saying '我冒失去旅行' (Wǒ màoshī qù lǚxíng) incorrectly implies recklessness, while it should be '我喜欢冒险去旅行' (Wǒ xǐhuān màoxiǎn qù lǚxíng), which means 'I like to take adventures/trips.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 冒险
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Grammar Patterns of 冒险
冒险 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.
The case against is twofold: too risky and too expensive.
8
1986年发行的《勇于冒险》是一张风格更为统一也更为成功的专辑。
1986 1986 nián fā háng《 de 《 yǒng yú》 mào xiǎn 》 shì yī zhāng fēng gé gēng wéi tǒng yī yě gēng wéi chéng gōng。
"Daring Adventures" from '86 is a far more cohesive and successful album.
9
他们总是冒险，在过去的几年里损失惨重。
tā mén zǒng shì mào xiǎn， ， zài guò qù de jī nián lǐ sǔn shī cǎn。
They always took chances and got burned very badly in past years.
10
这部电影的中心内容是英俊的男主角麦克·马瑟的情爱冒险.
zhè bù diàn yǐng de zhōng xīn nèi róng shì yīng jùn de nán zhǔ jiǎo mài kè· · mǎ sè de qíng ài mào.
The film centres around the amorous adventures of its handsome hero, Mike Mather.
Cultural Notes for 冒险
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 冒险 is often associated with traditional stories of heroes who embark on perilous journeys, such as those found in classic literature like 'Journey to the West'. This reflects the value placed on bravery and the pursuit of personal growth through challenges.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, adventure is often romanticized and seen as a personal growth experience, while in Chinese culture, there is often a stronger focus on the collective impact of risk-taking on family and community.
Frequently Asked Questions about 冒险
Yes, 冒险 is often used positively to describe exciting adventures, but it can also highlight the risks involved.
No, 冒险 can refer to any risky endeavor, including business ventures or personal decisions.
You can say, '我喜欢冒险' (Wǒ xǐhuān màoxiǎn), meaning 'I like to take risks/adventures'.
