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March 24, 2026
涂抹(塗抹)túmǒ(tu2mo3)
涂抹 (tú mǒ) refers to the act of applying a substance, typically in a thin layer, such as paint or makeup. It can also imply a less precise application, like doodling or smearing, conveying a sense of carelessness or artistry depending on the context.
Frequency#26773DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '涂抹' is not just about applying substances but also reflects the traditional art of calligraphy and painting, where different techniques involve varying levels of precision and freedom.
Memory Tip
Imagine a painter named 'Tu' who loves to smear paint everywhere, creating a colorful mess. The character 涂 (tú) looks like a brush sweeping across a canvas, while 抹 (mǒ) resembles the action of spreading with a hand, helping you remember that it involves applying or smearing.
Meanings of 涂抹
túmǒ(tu2mo3)
1to paint
2to smear
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 涂抹
涂抹Simplified
塗抹Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#26773Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 涂抹
Podcast: 涂抹
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AI Study Notes for 涂抹
Quick Contrast
涂 (tú) vs 刷 (shuā) — choose 涂 when implying a more casual or artistic application, while 刷 suggests a more formal or uniform application.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a painter named 'Tu' who loves to smear paint everywhere, creating a colorful mess. The character 涂 (tú) looks like a brush sweeping across a canvas, while 抹 (mǒ) resembles the action of spreading with a hand, helping you remember that it involves applying or smearing.
Usage Notes
涂抹 is often used in both formal and informal contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with words for 'write' or 'draw,' as涂抹 implies a more fluid, less precise application. Be mindful of the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 涂抹 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to art and cosmetics. Focus on the nuances of its meaning in different contexts and practice constructing sentences that illustrate its various uses.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '涂抹' is not just about applying substances but also reflects the traditional art of calligraphy and painting, where different techniques involve varying levels of precision and freedom.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 涂抹 to describe careful drawing or writing. For example, saying '我涂抹字' (I smear words) is incorrect; instead, use '我写字' (I write words) for precise actions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 涂抹
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Grammar Patterns of 涂抹
涂抹 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 6 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
____染发剂可能会搞得一团糟，特别是长发。
Applying the dye can be messy, particularly on long hair.
Example Sentences for 涂抹 (6)
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1
涂抹染发剂可能会搞得一团糟，特别是长发。
tú mǒ rǎn fā jì kě néng huì gǎo dé yī tuán zāo， ， tè bié shì cháng。
Applying the dye can be messy, particularly on long hair.
2
她把糖霜浇在蛋糕上面，并用刀子轻轻涂抹开。
tā bǎ táng shuāng jiāo zài dàn gāo shàng miàn， ， bìng yòng dāo zǐ qīng qīng tú mǒ。
She spread the icing over the cake, dabbing it with a knife.
3
那名女化妆师往杰里米的脸上涂抹假血。
nà míng nǚ huà zhuāng shī wǎng jié lǐ mǐ de liǎn shàng tú mǒ jiǎ xiě。
The make-up woman daubed mock blood on Jeremy.
4
涂抹乳霜或化妆品时动作要轻。
tú mǒ rǔ shuāng huò huà zhuāng pǐn shí dòng zuò yào qīng。
Use a light touch when applying cream or make-up.
5
她在纸上涂抹了些颜料,说这就是一棵树.
tā zài zhǐ shàng tú mǒ le xiē yán liào, , shuō zhè jiù shì yī kē.
She dashed some paint on the paper and called it a tree.
6
屋顶涂抹了一层沥青.
wū dǐng tú mǒ le yī céng lì qīng.
The roof was covered with tar.
Cultural Notes for 涂抹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '涂抹' is not just about applying substances but also reflects the traditional art of calligraphy and painting, where different techniques involve varying levels of precision and freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions about 涂抹
You can use 涂抹 when discussing painting, applying makeup, or even in artistic discussions about doodling and casual art.
涂抹 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly seen in everyday conversations.
Not typically, as 涂抹 emphasizes a smearing or applying action rather than precise writing.
