Definition
抹 (mǒ) means (1) to apply a thin layer (butter, cream) onto a surface by smearing, and (2) to erase or wipe away (marks, characters). Compared to 涂 (tú), which is broader (daub paint, scribble), 抹 is more about a thin, deliberate spread; 擦 (cā) uses a rubbing motion (clean, apply lipstick by patting). As a classifier, 抹 describes a wisp or streak (cloud, light beam).
verb
to applyto smear (ointment, cream, makeup, etc.)to wipe awayto eraseto remove
classifier
for wisps of cloudlight beamssmokeetc.
Easily confused
- 摸mōsound-aliketo touch, to feel (with the hand)
- 磨mósound-aliketo grind; to rub; to polish; to sharpen
- 末mòsound-alikethe end, final stage (of a period of time or an object)
- 膜mósound-alike(biology) membrane
- 墨mòsound-alikeink stick (solid ink for calligraphy)
Examples
- 抹。Tā zài miànbāo shàng mǒ le yì céng huángyóu.He smeared a layer of butter on the bread.
- 。Tā bǎ hēibǎn shàng de zì mǒ diào le.He wiped the words off the blackboard.
- 抹。Tiānbiān yǒu yì mǒ dàndàn de yúncai.There is a wisp of faint cloud at the horizon.
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