Meaning
冒 is a versatile verb that primarily means to emit or give off something (like smoke or steam), or to risk/brave something dangerous. It can also mean to falsely claim or pretend to be someone else. The character originally depicted plants emerging through a cover, which connects to its meanings of emitting or venturing forth.
Usage
Most commonly used in compounds like 冒险 (to take risks) or to describe things being emitted, as in 冒烟 (to emit smoke) or 冒汗 (to sweat). When used alone as 'to risk,' it typically requires an object. Can also mean to rashly do something or to impersonate someone.
Examples
- 01锅里冒出了热气。.Steam is rising from the pot.
- 02他冒着大雨去上班。.He braved the heavy rain to go to work.
Common collocations
- 冒险to take risks
- 冒烟to emit smoke
- 冒汗to sweat
- 冒充to pretend to be; to pose as
Origin
The traditional form shows 冃 (a covering) over 目 (eye), suggesting something emerging from beneath a cover, which relates to both the meanings of emitting/emerging and venturing out despite danger.