Meaning
莫 is a classical Chinese negation word meaning 'do not' or 'none/no one'. It is primarily used in literary or formal contexts, idioms, and set phrases. In modern spoken Mandarin, 别 or 不要 are more common for prohibitions, but 莫 appears frequently in written language, classical literature, and chengyu.
Usage
Native speakers encounter 莫 mainly in formal writing, literature, proverbs, and four-character idioms (chengyu). It sounds archaic or poetic in everyday speech. Common in warnings, prohibitions, or philosophical statements in classical style. Often appears in compound words and fixed expressions.
Examples
- 01一年之计在于春，一日之计在于晨，莫等闲。, , .The plan for the year lies in spring, the plan for the day lies in the morning; do not waste time idly.
- 02助人为乐莫过于雪中送炭。.Nothing brings more joy in helping others than providing timely assistance in their hour of need.
Common collocations
- 莫非can it be that...? could it be...?
- 莫名其妙baffling; inexplicable
- 莫过于nothing is more... than
- 概莫能外without exception
Origin
The character 莫 originally depicted the sun setting behind plants (艹 grass radical + 日 sun), representing the concept of darkness or disappearance, which evolved into the meaning of negation and 'nothing/none'.