马
mǎ · horse💡 How to pronounce
m → like the 'm' in 'moon'. ǎ → like 'ah' with a falling-rising tone — start low, dip, then rise.
📖 The Story
The oracle bone script of 马 looks like a horse — head, mane, body, and legs. Horses were essential in ancient China for transportation, warfare, and communication. The character has evolved over 3,000 years but still looks like a galloping horse.
🎬 In Culture Today
Horses appear throughout Chinese history — the Terracotta Warriors include horse statues, and the Silk Road was built on horseback. The Chinese saying '马到成功' (mǎ dào chéng gōng) means 'success upon arrival' — a wish for a smooth journey.
📚 Words
马上immediately / right away
马车carriage / cart
马路road / street
赛马horse racing
📝 Example Sentences
我马上就来。
I'll be right there.
马路上有很多车。
There are many cars on the road.