Writing Balance Rule: The left component (犭) is narrow and compressed, leaving ample room for the right component (孟) to maintain a stable, balanced rectangular structure.
1. Meaning
ferocious, fierce, violent
bravesuddenlyabruptawesome (slang)
AdjectiveNeutral#personality#intensity#behavior
Sample Usage
这只猛兽非常危险。
zhè zhī měng shòu fēi cháng wēi xiǎn.
This ferocious beast is extremely dangerous.
他做事总是很猛。
tā zuò shì zǒng shì hěn měng.
He always does things with great intensity and force.
2. Sound
/[mɤŋ²¹⁴]/Tone: 214
猛
měngmeng3
|
++
ˇ(214)
=měng
Initial Consonant
m
Type: Bilabial Nasal
Sounds like: m sound as in 'mother'
Unaspirated
Airflow Tactile Test: Nasal resonance through nostrils.
Tongue & Mouth Position: Lips pressed together to voice the nasal consonant, then relaxed.
Final Rhyme
eng
Vowel Group: -e vowel group
Sounds like: -eng rhymes with 'ung' in hung
Mouth Shape Guide: Pronounce as standalone vowel 'uhng'.
Common Learner Trap: Keep vowel quality steady across all 4 tone contours.
Tone
T3 (214)
2 → 1 → 4 (214)
3rd Tone (Low-Dipping)
Tone Pitch & Cadence: Tone 3 starts mid-high, dips low into the register, and rises back up, similar to incredulous English questioning tones like 'Really?'
Sandhi: When followed by another Tone 3 syllable, měng changes to a Tone 2 (35) contour, becoming méng měng.
👂
Listening trap: Confusing the nasal ending '-ng' with the alveolar nasal '-n' (men vs. meng).
👋
Physical Tone Gesture: Tone 3 dips down low before rising back up. Trace a 'V' shape with your hand starting high, dipping down to your chest, and rising back up.
3. Writing
Topology: Left-right · Strokes: 11 strokes
Writing Balance Rule: The left component (犭) is narrow and compressed, leaving ample room for the right component (孟) to maintain a stable, balanced rectangular structure.
4. Components
Radical犭 · Dog Radical (Animals, beasts, fierce creatures)