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March 24, 2026
毫无(毫無)háowú(hao2wu2)
毫无 (háo wú) is used to express a complete absence of something, indicating that there is not even the slightest bit of it. It is often used in negative contexts to emphasize the lack of qualities, feelings, or possessions, such as in relationships or abilities.
Frequency#1348DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing a lack of something, such as interest or capability, can be more direct and less confrontational than in some Western cultures. The phrase embodies a straightforwardness that is often appreciated in communication.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny, delicate hair (毫) floating in the air, representing something very minimal, paired with '无' which means 'none.' Visualize trying to grasp this hair, but finding absolutely nothing there – emphasizing the total absence of it.
Meanings of 毫无
háowú(hao2wu2)
1not in the least
2to completely lack
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About 毫无
毫无Simplified
毫無Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1348Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 毫无
Podcast: 毫无
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AI Study Notes for 毫无
Quick Contrast
完全 (wánquán) - use 毫无 when emphasizing a total absence, while 完全 indicates completeness or totality of presence.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny, delicate hair (毫) floating in the air, representing something very minimal, paired with '无' which means 'none.' Visualize trying to grasp this hair, but finding absolutely nothing there – emphasizing the total absence of it.
Usage Notes
This phrase is typically used in negative constructions, so be careful not to use it in a positive context. For example, saying '我毫无兴趣' (I have no interest at all) is correct, but saying '我毫无问题' (I have no problems) could sound awkward. It is more commonly used in formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 毫无 connects well with other advanced vocabulary that expresses negation and absence. Students should focus on its usage in conjunction with other negative phrases and explore synonyms like '没有' (méiyǒu) to deepen their understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing a lack of something, such as interest or capability, can be more direct and less confrontational than in some Western cultures. The phrase embodies a straightforwardness that is often appreciated in communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 毫无 with similar phrases and use it incorrectly in positive sentences. For instance, saying '我毫无问题' (I have no problems) is incorrect; the more appropriate phrase would be '我没有问题'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 毫无
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Grammar Patterns of 毫无
毫无 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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.
There was no doubting the animal magnetism of the man.
9
毫无疑问这是我们表现最出彩的一次。
háo wú yí wèn zhè shì wǒ mén biǎo xiàn zuì chū cǎi de yī cì。
It was without a shadow of a doubt the best we've played.
10
他把先前检查过的那些口袋又查了一遍，毫无收获。
tā bǎ xiān qián jiǎn chá guò de nà xiē kǒu dài yòu chá le yī biàn， ， háo wú shōu。
Uselessly, he checked the same pockets he'd checked before.
Cultural Notes for 毫无
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing a lack of something, such as interest or capability, can be more direct and less confrontational than in some Western cultures. The phrase embodies a straightforwardness that is often appreciated in communication.
Frequently Asked Questions about 毫无
No, 毫无 is specifically used to indicate a complete absence and should not be used in positive contexts.
It is generally more formal and can be used in written and spoken contexts when emphasizing a total lack.
Some synonyms include 没有 (méiyǒu) and 毫不 (háobù), but they may carry slightly different nuances.
