Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
麻木mámù(ma2mu4)
麻木 (má mù) refers to a state of numbness, whether physically, emotionally, or socially. It describes a lack of sensation or feeling, often used in contexts where someone feels emotionally detached or apathetic, indicating a disconnection from one's surroundings or experiences.
Frequency#9641DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing emotions is often more restrained compared to Western norms, making 麻木 a relevant term when discussing feelings of disconnection in busy urban life or during societal pressures.
Memory Tip
Think of 麻 (má) as a 'mop' that wipes away feelings, leaving you 'numb' and unresponsive. The character 木 (mù) looks like a tree, which can symbolize stability but also a lack of movement, like someone who is emotionally 'rooted' and unable to feel.
Meanings of 麻木
mámù(ma2mu4)
1numb
2insensitive
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 麻木
麻木Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9641Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 麻木
Podcast: 麻木
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 麻木
Quick Contrast
无感 (wúgǎn) vs 麻木 (mámù): 无感 emphasizes a complete lack of perception or awareness, while 麻木 can imply a more complex emotional or physical numbness.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 麻 (má) as a 'mop' that wipes away feelings, leaving you 'numb' and unresponsive. The character 木 (mù) looks like a tree, which can symbolize stability but also a lack of movement, like someone who is emotionally 'rooted' and unable to feel.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 麻木 with similar words like 冷漠 (lěng mò), which specifically means indifference. This word can be used in both formal and informal contexts but is often more impactful in emotional discussions. Ensure to use the correct tones: 麻 (má) with a rising tone and 木 (mù) with a falling tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 麻木 connects with other vocabulary about emotions and sensations. Focus on using it in sentences that describe feelings or states of being to strengthen your understanding of emotional vocabulary in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing emotions is often more restrained compared to Western norms, making 麻木 a relevant term when discussing feelings of disconnection in busy urban life or during societal pressures.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 麻木 by applying it to situations that are not about emotional or physical numbness, such as '麻木' when they mean 'tired.' The correct term for tired is 疲惫 (pí bèi).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 麻木
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 麻木 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 麻木 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 麻木
麻木 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 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我近来双手一直疼痛____。
I have recently been suffering from pain and numbness in my hands.
Example Sentences for 麻木 (8)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我近来双手一直疼痛麻木。
wǒ jìn lái shuāng shǒu yī zhí téng tòng má mù。
I have recently been suffering from pain and numbness in my hands.
2
他能感到指尖正在变得麻木。
tā néng gǎn dào zhǐ jiān zhèng zài biàn dé má mù。
He could feel his fingers growing numb at their tips.
3
我真搞不懂你怎么会这么麻木。
wǒ zhēn gǎo bù dǒng nǐ zěn mó huì zhè mó má mù。
How you can be so insensitive absolutely beats me.
4
我一直以一种不舒服的姿势躺着,腿已经麻木了.
wǒ yī zhí yǐ yī zhǒng bù shū fú de zī shì tǎng zháo, , tuǐ yǐ jīng má mù.
I had been lying awkwardly and my leg had gone numb.
5
或许正是这种麻木不仁的本领,使她的眼睛透明见底.
huò xǔ zhèng shì zhè zhǒng má mù bù rén de běn lǐng, , shǐ tā de yǎn jīng tòu míng jiàn.
Perhaps that faculty of unawareness was what gave her eyes their transparency.
6
他醒着的时候也完全麻木不动.
tā xǐng zháo de shí hòu yě wán quán má mù bù dòng.
Even when he was awake he was completely torpid.
7
胃里的隐痛已经愈来愈麻木,愈来愈不觉得了.
wèi lǐ de yǐn tòng yǐ jīng yù lái yù má mù, , yù lái yù bù jué dé.
The dull ache in his stomach had been growing duller and fainter.
8
她的面颊感到热烘烘地一阵麻木.
tā de miàn jiá gǎn dào rè hōng hōng dì yī zhèn má mù.
Her cheek felt warmly numb.
Cultural Notes for 麻木
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing emotions is often more restrained compared to Western norms, making 麻木 a relevant term when discussing feelings of disconnection in busy urban life or during societal pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions about 麻木
Yes, 麻木 can refer to physical numbness in the body, such as when you sit too long in one position.
麻木 is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, especially in discussions about mental health.
Yes, synonyms include 冷漠 (lěng mò) for emotional indifference and 无感 (wú gǎn) for lack of feeling.
