Definitions
surname Wu
(literary) no; don't; to not have; nobody
Etymology
Originally written and pronounced the same as 母 (mother). Later it was slightly altered so the two characters could be distinguished.
About
The character "毋" functions as a negative adverb meaning "do not" or "cannot", and its etymology is directly tied to the character "母" (mother). Structurally, "毋" is derived from "母" by altering its internal components: the two dots representing breasts in "母" are connected into a single cross stroke, creating a distinct form to signify prohibition. This graphic differentiation from "母" helped establish its specialized semantic role. Historically, "毋" was used in classical texts to express negation or forbidding, a meaning it has consistently carried, though its contemporary usage is largely confined to fixed expressions and literary contexts rather than everyday speech.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
请毋打扰。
毋以善小而不为。
他的能力毋庸置疑。
对此结果，我毋宁感到失望。
毋须为这些琐事烦心。
父母毋须过分担忧子女的未来。
在原则问题上，我们毋作任何妥协。
面对此等无端指控，他毋乃保持沉默。