Core Meaning
The character 母 primarily means "mother" and is used to refer to one's female parent. It also appears as a prefix in compound words to indicate origin or primary status, such as 母校 (alma mater) or 母语 (mother tongue).
Usage in Compounds
母 is often combined with other characters to form words related to origin, source, or primary female roles. For example, 母亲 (mother), 母校 (alma mater), 母语 (mother tongue).
Common Collocations
- 母亲 (mǔqīn): mother, the female parent.
- 母校 (mǔxiào): alma mater, the school one graduated from.
- 母语 (mǔyǔ): mother tongue, native language.
Nuances and Register
When used alone, 母 is formal and often appears in written or formal contexts. In daily speech, 母亲 or 妈妈 are more common for "mother." As a prefix, 母 adds a sense of origin or fundamental relation.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 母 with 妈 (mā), which is a more casual and affectionate term for mother. 母 is more formal and appears in compound words or formal references.