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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 矛 (máo) to express "spear"

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Number + 支 + 矛

    Explanation

    矛 (máo) is a noun meaning "spear" or "lance," referring to a long pole weapon with a pointed tip. It is well known from the classical Chinese idiom 自相矛盾 (to contradict oneself), which literally describes a person selling both a spear and a shield with impossible claims.

    Examples

    • 这把矛有两米多长。

      Zhè bǎ máo yǒu liǎng mǐ duō cháng.

      This spear is more than two meters long.

    • 矛是古代最常见的武器之一。

      Máo shì gǔdài zuì chángjiàn de wǔqì zhī yī.

      The spear was one of the most common weapons in ancient times.

    • 成语"自相矛盾"里的矛就是长矛的意思。

      Chéngyǔ "zìxiāng máodùn" lǐ de máo jiù shì cháng máo de yìsi.

      The "máo" in the idiom "zìxiāng máodùn" refers to a long spear.

    Using 矛 (máo) to express "spear" | Chinese Grammar