毛笔

• Pinyin: máo bǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 毛 = pictograph of animal hair; 笔 = 竹 (bamboo) + 聿 (brush), bamboo writing tool

Meaning

Writing brush; calligraphy brush. A traditional Chinese brush made with animal hair.

The traditional writing and painting tool of Chinese culture, made with animal hair attached to a handle. Essential for Chinese calligraphy and traditional painting. Still used today for artistic purposes and formal occasions.

Examples

1. 爷爷每天早上都用毛笔练字。 Grandpa practices calligraphy with a brush every morning.
2. 这支毛笔是用狼毫做的，很珍贵。 This brush is made of wolf hair and is very precious.
3. 学习书法首先要学会握毛笔的姿势。 When learning calligraphy, you must first learn how to hold the brush properly.

Usage Guide

Context: calligraphy, art, tradition

Tone: cultural

Do Say

• 你会用毛笔写字吗？(Can you write with a brush?)
• 毛笔字很难写，需要长期练习。(Brush calligraphy is difficult; it requires long-term practice.)

Don't Say

• 我用毛笔做作业。(For schoolwork, use 圆珠笔 or 铅笔 — 毛笔 is for calligraphy, not everyday writing)

Origin & History

毛 (máo, hair/fur) + 笔 (bǐ, writing instrument). A writing brush made of hair.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal