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忙
máng
busy
他最近很忙，没时间见朋友。
He's been very busy lately and has no time to see friends.
neutral
having a lot to do; occupied with work or tasks
妈妈工作很忙，每天都很累。
Mom is very busy with work and feels exhausted every day.
这个周末你忙吗？
Are you busy this weekend?
Used to describe someone who is occupied with tasks or responsibilities. Often paired with time expressions (e.g., 很忙, 太忙了).
neutral
to hurry; to rush about
他忙着准备考试。
He's busy preparing for the exam.
Used to describe being occupied with a specific activity or task.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Position in Sentences
忙 typically appears after the subject and before the verb/adjective it modifies. E.g., '他很忙' (He is busy) vs. '他忙着工作' (He is busy working).
Gold Rule
忙 vs. 忙碌
忙碌 is a more formal/literary synonym for 忙, often used in written Chinese or to describe a state of constant busyness. 忙 is more colloquial and versatile.
Word Origin
From Old Chinese *mraŋ (忙), originally meaning 'to be busy' or 'to hurry'. The character combines the radical 忄 (heart) and 亡 (to flee/escape), suggesting a sense of 'heart racing' from being busy.
Usage Notes
忙 is a basic adjective/verb in Chinese, commonly used in daily conversation. It can be intensified with 很 (very) or 太 (too much). The verb usage often implies urgency or pressure.
Word Breakdown
忄 (心)
heart radical, indicating emotional or mental state
root亡
to flee/escape; implies urgency or haste
root汉英词典