How to Write 磨 (mó/mò) — Meaning “grind / polish”

Imagine a stone (石) being rubbed against a rough hemp cloth (麻) to sharpen a blade. This visual of friction between stone and hemp helps you recall that 磨 means to grind or polish.

Write the top part 麻 first: dot, horizontal, left-falling, then the 林 inside (horizontal, vertical, left-falling, dot twice). Finally add 石 below. A common mistake is making the 石 too large; it should be narrow and sit under the 麻's center.

碟 (dié) means a small plate or dish and has the radical 石 but with 枼, not 麻. 碡 (zhóu) is a rare character for a stone roller used in farming. In contrast, 磨 always conveys the action of grinding or polishing, and is much more common in daily use.

磨 is used for physical grinding like 磨刀 (sharpen a knife) and metaphorically for self-discipline in 磨练 (to temper oneself through hardship). In Chinese culture, the idiom "磨杵成针" (grind an iron pestle into a needle) symbolizes perseverance and hard work.

Common words containing 磨 include: 磨刀 (mó dāo) — sharpen a knife; 磨练 (mó liàn) — To temper, discipline, or train oneself through hardship.; 石磨 (shí mò) — Stone mill or grindstone..