to apply

JLPT N5 8 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (mǒ)

The character primarily means "to apply" or "to wipe". It is commonly used when talking about spreading substances like butter or cream, or wiping away sweat or dirt.

Common contexts

  • Literal action of spreading or applying something on a surface, e.g., (spread butter).
  • Wiping or cleaning, e.g., (wipe sweat).
  • Figurative use to mean erasing or removing memories or feelings, often in a poetic or emotional context.

Collocations and patterns

  • (wipe sweat): used when physically wiping sweat from the body.
  • / (apply oil/butter): used in cooking or skincare contexts.
  • 记忆 (erase memory): figurative, to remove or forget memories.

Notes

is often used with a tool or surface (like 毛巾 towel, 面包 bread) to indicate the action of applying or wiping. It differs from (cā), which also means "to wipe" but often implies rubbing more forcefully. tends to be gentler or more about spreading.

Avoid confusing with 抹杀 (mǒshā), which means "to obliterate" or "to negate" in a more abstract sense.

Example Sentences

She wiped the sweat off her face with a towel.

Please spread some butter on the bread.

He tried to erase that unpleasant memory.