Definitions

(verb) to grind; to polish; to sharpen
(verb) to wear down; to waste time
(verb) to pester; to insist
(noun) grindstone
(verb) to grind; to turn round

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "磨" is structured with the component 麻 positioned above 石, where 石 signifies stone and 麻 provides phonetic guidance while also implying a coarse texture, together conveying the action of grinding. Its etymology centers on the physical process of abrasion or polishing using a stone tool, a meaning that was primary in early usage. From this concrete basis, the character's semantic scope widened to include analogous actions such as sharpening edges through friction, delaying as if wearing down time, and afflicting via continual pressure or annoyance. The form of the character, with its components intact, has directly indicated these associations throughout its historical application.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

刀不误砍柴工。

Mó dāo bú wù kǎn chái gōng.

Sharpening the axe will not delay the work of cutting firewood.

他总是喜欢在做事前蹭半天。

Tā zǒngshì xǐhuan zài zuò shì qián móceng bàntiān.

He always likes to dawdle for a long time before doing anything.

妈妈用石出了新鲜的豆浆。

Māma yòng shímò mó chūle xīnxiān de dòujiāng.

Mom used a stone mill to grind fresh soy milk.

多年的苦难炼了他坚强的意志。

Duōnián de kǔnàn móliànle tā jiānqiáng de yìzhì.

Years of hardship tempered his strong will.

学习书法需要耐心地墨。

Xuéxí shūfǎ xūyào nàixīn de mómò.

Learning calligraphy requires patiently grinding the ink stick.

他晚上睡觉有牙的习惯。

Tā wǎnshang shuìjiào yǒu mó yá de xíguàn.

He has the habit of grinding his teeth while sleeping at night.

这套繁琐的审批程序真是人。

Zhè tào fánsuǒ de shěnpī chéngxù zhēnshi mó rén.

This cumbersome approval process is really wearisome.

岁月的蚀让石碑上的字迹变得模糊。

Suìyuè de móshí ràng shíbēi shàng de zìjì biàn dé móhu.

The erosion of time has made the inscriptions on the stone tablet blurry.