马 (mǎ): horse

Measure Word

一匹马 pǐ

Simplified from the pictograph 馬 showing a horse with mane and legs. Also a common surname.

Tā huì qí mǎ.

He can ride a horse.

Zhè pǐ mǎ pǎo de hěn kuài.

This horse runs very fast.

Mǎshàng jiù lái!

Coming right away!

usage

马上 (mǎshàng) literally 'on horseback' means 'immediately/right away' — one of the most common Chinese expressions.

culture

马 is one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. It symbolizes speed, freedom, and success. 马到成功 (mǎ dào chénggōng) = achieve immediate success.

马 mǎ