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 etymologically constructed from the phonetic component "麻" and the semantic element "石", directly linking it to stone-based actions, initially referring specifically to grinding or polishing with a stone implement. Its primary meaning of physical abrasion, as in sharpening blades or milling grain, gradually broadened to encompass metaphorical applications such as the gradual erosion of materials, persistent endeavor, or the act of dawdling, thereby extending its utility from concrete processes to abstract notions of time and effort. This semantic evolution shows how the character's foundational structure continued to inform its expanding range of uses.

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.