脈 (mài) - pulse & vein

脈Tone 4

mài ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

脈 · mài

pulse;

vein;

artery;

blood vessel;

vein (in minerals, plants);

to feel the pulse;

a thread of connection or continuity.

pulseveinartery

Usage highlights

pulseveinarteryblood vesselmountain rangevein of ore

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 断— to break; interrupt (antonym to continuity sense)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The doctor checked my pulse (脉).
  • Mineral veins contain valuable deposits (矿脉).
  • The leaf has prominent veins (叶脉).
  • There is a historical connection between these events (历史脉络).

Collocations

  • pulse(脉搏)
  • vein(静脉)
  • artery(动脉)
  • blood vessel(血管)
  • mountain range(山脉)
  • vein of ore(矿脉)

Idioms

  • To feel the pulse and observe the complexion(脉脉含情)
  • One's vital arteries(命脉)
  • To diagnose by feeling the pulse(切脉)
  • Continuous succession(一脉相承)
  • Full of tender affection(含情脉脉)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, pulse diagnosis is a fundamental diagnostic method.
  • The character reflects the concept of interconnected pathways in nature and the body.
  • Used metaphorically to describe continuity in lineage, thought, or geographical features.

FAQ