Meaning and Usage
The character 末 (mò) primarily means 'end' or 'final part' of something. It is often used to indicate the last portion of a time period, event, or sequence, such as 学期末 (end of semester) or 会议末 (end of meeting).
Common Collocations
- 学期末 (xuéqī mò): end of the semester
- 月末 (yuèmò): end of the month
- 年末 (niánmò): end of the year
- 末尾 (mòwěi): the very end or tail part
These collocations are frequently used in both spoken and written Chinese to specify the timing or position at the conclusion of something.
Usage Notes
末 is often combined with time words to specify the final phase. It can also appear in compound words to emphasize the last part of an object or event. When used alone, it usually refers to the end or tip of something.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 末 with 末了 (mòliǎo), which is a phrase meaning 'finally' or 'in the end' used more in spoken language. Also, 末 is different from 末端 (mòduān), which specifically means 'extremity' or 'tip'.