How to Write 毛 (máo) — Meaning “Hair; fur; feather”

Imagine a bird's feather with three fluffy barbs sticking up (the top strokes) and a curved quill at the bottom (the final hook). You can also think of the number '4' (its stroke count) and picture four strands of hair on a head.

Start with the short left-falling stroke (piě), then write the two horizontal strokes from left to right, with the second one slightly longer. Finish with a curved vertical hook – do not make it too straight or too rounded, as that common mistake changes the shape.

A common expression is '一毛不拔' (yī máo bù bá), literally 'not pull out one hair,' meaning very stingy. Another is '毛毛雨' (máo máo yǔ), which describes a light drizzle. These phrases are used in everyday conversation to talk about personality or weather.

毛 appears in words for natural materials like '羊毛' (wool) and everyday items like '毛衣' (sweater) and '毛笔' (writing brush). Culturally, the writing brush (毛笔) is a symbol of traditional Chinese calligraphy and art, so 毛 also connects to heritage and craftsmanship.

Common words containing 毛 include: 毛笔 (máo bǐ) — Writing brush; 羊毛 (yáng máo) — Wool; 毛衣 (máo yī) — Sweater.