noun HSK 6
awn · beard (of grain) · tip · point · ray of light
Meaning
芒 refers to the bristle-like extensions found on grains like wheat and barley. It can also mean a sharp point or tip, and by extension, rays of light. This character appears in many compound words related to sharpness, brilliance, and grain crops.
Usage
芒 is rarely used alone in modern spoken Chinese. It appears primarily in literary contexts and compound words. Most commonly seen in 锋芒 (sharp edge/talent) and 芒果 (mango). When referring to grain awns in agriculture, it's understood but not frequent in everyday conversation.
Examples
- 01太阳的光芒照亮了整个房间。.The sun's rays illuminated the entire room.
- 02他初露锋芒，在比赛中表现出色。, .He showed his emerging talent and performed excellently in the competition.
Measure words
- 根一根麦芒
Common collocations
- 锋芒毕露to display one's talent fully (idiom)
- 光芒四射to radiate light in all directions
- 芒刺在背to feel extremely uneasy (idiom, lit. thorns on one's back)
Origin
The character combines the grass radical 艹 (indicating plant-related meaning) with 亡 (wáng), which may have provided a phonetic component. The original meaning relates to the sharp, pointed bristles on grain plants.