Definitions

mèi (verb) charm; flatter; ingratiate oneself
mèi (adjective) seductive; enchanting

Etymology phono-semantic

woman

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "媚" is a phono-semantic compound structured with the semantic component "女" meaning woman and the phonetic component "眉" providing its sound, a configuration that has persisted in its modern form. Etymologically, the character initially conveyed notions of charm and pleasing behavior, particularly in reference to feminine allure, but its meaning gradually narrowed to emphasize active flattery or ingratiation, often with a negative connotation of servile or obsequious behavior aimed at currying favor.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

她的笑容很妩

Tā de xiàoróng hěn wǔmèi.

Her smile is very charming.

他谄地笑着。

Tā chǎnmèi de xiàozhe.

He is smiling flatteringly.

她的眼让人心动。

Tā de mèiyǎn ràng rén xīndòng.

Her seductive eyes make people's hearts flutter.

这幅画展现了自然的妩

Zhè fú huà zhǎnxiànle zìrán de wǔmèi.

This painting displays the charm of nature.

不要用谄的态度对待上司。

Bùyào yòng chǎnmèi de tàidù duìdài shàngsī.

Do not treat your boss with a flattering attitude.

她的娇姿态吸引了所有人的目光。

Tā de jiāomèi zītài xīyǐnle suǒyǒu rén de mùguāng.

Her coquettish posture attracted everyone's gaze.

这种俗的艺术作品缺乏深度。

Zhè zhǒng mèisú de yìshù zuòpǐn quēfá shēndù.

This kind of art that panders to vulgar tastes lacks depth.

在商业广告中,俗的元素常常被用来吸引大众。

Zài shāngyè guǎnggào zhōng, mèisú de yuánsù chángcháng bèi yòng lái xīyǐn dàzhòng.

In commercial advertising, elements that pander to vulgar tastes are often used to attract the public.