魅

mèi

未 + 鬼

Definitions

mèi (noun) charm; fascination

mèi (verb) to charm; to bewitch

mèi (noun) demon; evil spirit

Etymology ideographic

A forest 未 demon 鬼; 未 also provides the pronunciation

About

魅 is a phono-semantic compound: the radical 鬼 (ghost, spirit, demon) indicates a supernatural being, while 未 provides the sound. In early texts, it referred to malevolent nature spirits or demons dwelling in forests and mountains, often causing confusion or harm. As cultural concepts evolved, the meaning shifted from these monsters to their ability to bewitch and entrance people. Today, 魅 denotes an irresistible charm, fascination, or charisma.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

她的笑容很有魅力。

Tā de xiàoróng hěn yǒu mèilì.

Her smile is very charming.

这座城市有着独特的魅力。

Zhè zuò chéngshì yǒu zhe dútè de mèilì.

This city has unique charm.

那灯光制造出魅惑的气氛。

Nà dēngguāng zhìzào chū mèihuò de qìfēn.

That lighting creates a bewitching atmosphere.

他的音乐魅力吸引了无数粉丝。

Tā de yīnyuè mèilì xīyǐn le wúshù fěnsī.

The charm of his music attracted countless fans.

月光下，湖面上泛起神秘的魅影。

Yuèguāng xià, húmiàn shàng fàn qǐ shénmì de mèiyǐng.

Under the moonlight, mysterious phantoms ripple on the lake surface.

这款香水散发着迷人的魅力。

Zhè kuǎn xiāngshuǐ sànfā zhe mírén de mèilì.

This perfume exudes charming allure.

艺术的魅力在于它能触动心灵。

Yìshù de mèilì zàiyú tā néng chùdòng xīnlíng.

The charm of art lies in its ability to touch the heart.

尽管时代变迁，经典文学的魅力永不褪色。

Jǐnguǎn shídài biànqiān, jīngdiǎn wénxué de mèilì yǒng bù tuìsè.

Despite the changes of times, the charm of classic literature never fades.

Related Characters

Component: 未

Component: 鬼

魅