How to Write 髦 (máo) — Meaning “bangs; fashionable”

Imagine a person with long, stylish hair (髟) who adds a trendy feather (毛) to their look. The feather 毛 sits under the hair, creating the fashionable 'bangs' style. This visual combines both parts to remind you that 髦 means 'fashionable.'

Pay attention to proportions: the top part 髟 should take about one-third of the space, while the bottom 毛 should take two-thirds. A common mistake is writing both parts the same size or making 毛 too small. Also, ensure the horizontal strokes in 髟 are even and the two '丶' in 髟 are placed correctly above the long horizontal.

髦 means 'bangs' or 'fashionable,' while 髡 (kūn) means 'shaven head' (as in ancient punishment). 髫 (tiáo) refers to the fringe of hair on a child's forehead. Visually, 髦 combines 髟 with 毛, 髡 has 髟 with 兀 (bald), and 髫 has 髟 with 召. Their meanings are distinct in hairstyle contexts.

The most common use of 髦 is in the word 时髦 (shí máo), meaning 'fashionable' or 'trendy.' It is also found in literary terms like 髦士 (eminent person) and 髦俊 (outstanding talent). Modern Chinese speakers rarely use 髦 alone, but it appears in formal or written descriptions of elegance and style.

Common words containing 髦 include: 时髦 (shí máo) — Fashionable; trendy.; 髦俊 (máo jùn) — outstanding and talented; 髦士 (máo shì) — eminent person; distinguished scholar.