Meaning
蒙 is a multi-pronunciation character with several related meanings. As 'méng', it means to cover, conceal, or deceive. As 'mēng', it means to deceive or cheat someone. As 'měng', it refers to the Mongol ethnic group or Mongolia. The core semantic idea revolves around covering or obscuring something from view or understanding.
Usage
Most commonly used in compounds rather than alone. 蒙 (méng) appears in words like 启蒙 (enlightenment), 蒙蔽 (to hoodwink), and 蒙住 (to cover up). The pronunciation 'mēng' is colloquial and means to fool someone. Native speakers use context to determine which pronunciation and meaning applies.
Examples
- 01别蒙我，我知道真相。, .Don't try to fool me, I know the truth.
- 02他用布蒙住了窗户。.He covered the window with cloth.
Common collocations
- 蒙住眼睛to cover/blindfold the eyes
- 蒙蔽真相to conceal the truth
- 受蒙to be deceived
- 蒙人to fool someone
Antonyms
Origin
The character originally depicted grass covering something. The top radical 艹 (grass) combined with 冡 (a mound or cover) creates the meaning of concealment or covering.