摹 (mó) - To trace & to copy

摹Tone 2

mó ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

妙慕

摹 · mó

To trace;

to copy;

to imitate;

to reproduce a model or pattern, especially in calligraphy or painting.

To traceto copyto imitate

Usage highlights

To traceTo copy a modelFacsimile copyTo imitateTo copy a paintingTo trace a calligraphy model

Synonyms

  • 仿— to imitate
  • 临— to copy (calligraphy/painting)
  • 描— to trace, to sketch

Antonyms

  • 创— to create, to innovate
  • 新— new, original

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He practiced calligraphy by tracing models (摹帖).
  • The artist copied the ancient painting (摹画).
  • This is a facsimile reproduction (摹本).
  • Children learn to write by tracing characters (摹写).

Collocations

  • To trace(摹写)
  • To copy a model(摹仿)
  • Facsimile copy(摹本)
  • To imitate(摹拟)
  • To copy a painting(摹画)
  • To trace a calligraphy model(摹帖)

Idioms

  • Imitating the ancients without innovation(摹古不化)
  • Copying the form but losing the spirit(摹形失神)
  • Faithfully copying a model(依样摹葫)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Important technique in traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting education, where students learn by carefully copying masterworks.
  • Reflects the value placed on mastering classical forms before developing personal style.
  • The character contains the 'hand' radical (扌), indicating a manual, physical act of reproduction.

FAQ