矛
The 矛 radical
Spear, lance
Memory hook
A long spear with a decorative tassel. Its most famous word is 矛盾 (contradiction — spear meets shield).
The 矛 radical (read máo) means spear, lance. The HSK 3.0 data contains 1 characters and 3 words built on it — learning them together is far faster than one character at a time.
Practise the 矛 radical
Practise the 1 characters carrying the 矛 radical in correct stroke order: watch, trace, then write from memory.
Characters with the 矛 radical
1 charactersHSK 5· 1 characters
HSK 5矛
spear (a weapon with a long shaft and a sharp point, used for thrusting)
Vocabulary with the 矛 radical
3 wordsWords containing at least one character with the 矛 radical, ordered by HSK level.
contradiction, conflict; opposition
spearhead; the tip of a spear
to contradict oneself
At least 4 words are needed to practise.
Why learn vocabulary by the 矛 radical?
The 矛 radical hints at the meaning spear, lance. When you meet an unfamiliar character carrying it, you already know part of its meaning before reaching for a dictionary — which is why learners who know their radicals move faster.
How to study: read the memory hook, skim the 1 characters to spot the pattern, then drill the 3 words with flashcards. Spaced repetition brings each word back exactly when you need it.