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B1 noun 11 min read

脉搏

mai bo

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 脉搏 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 脉搏 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 脉搏 (màibó) very often. You can think of it as a special word for 'pulse'. At this stage, you mostly learn words for body parts like 手 (hand) and 心 (heart). If you go to a doctor in China, they might check your 脉搏. You can remember it as 'the thing that beats in your wrist'. You might say '我的脉搏' (my pulse). It is a noun. You don't need to worry about the hard characters yet, just know that it is related to your heart and health. It is like the word 'pulse' in English. You might hear a teacher say '摸摸你的脉搏' (feel your pulse) during a simple health lesson. Even though it is a B1 word, knowing it early helps you understand medical situations. Just remember: 脉 (mài) is the vein/pulse, and 搏 (bó) is the beat. It's the 'vein-beat'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 脉搏 in simple sentences about health and exercise. You might say '跑步以后，我的脉搏很快' (After running, my pulse is very fast). You are moving beyond just 'heart' and starting to use more specific medical terms. You should know that 脉搏 is a noun and usually follows verbs like 摸 (feel) or 量 (measure). You might also see it in simple stories about doctors. It is important to distinguish it from 心跳 (heartbeat). Use 脉搏 when you are talking about the physical pulse you can feel with your fingers. At this level, focus on the physical meaning. Don't worry about the metaphorical 'pulse of the city' yet. Just focus on 'my pulse' or 'the patient's pulse'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 脉搏 confidently in both medical and metaphorical contexts. This is the level where the word is officially introduced. You should understand that it represents the 'pulse' or 'rhythm' of something. You can use it to describe the economy, such as '经济的脉搏' (the pulse of the economy), or the spirit of the times, '时代的脉搏' (the pulse of the times). You should also be familiar with common collocations like 摸脉搏 (feel the pulse), 脉搏跳动 (pulse beats), and 脉搏微弱 (weak pulse). You are expected to use this word in discussions about health, social trends, and news. It is a more formal and precise word than 心跳. When you write an essay about social changes, using '时代的脉搏' will make your Chinese sound much more advanced and 'native-like'.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 脉搏. You can use it in complex sentences and understand its role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). You should know that '把脉' (bǎ mài) is a specific phrase for a TCM doctor taking a pulse. You can use 脉搏 to describe subtle changes in a situation. For example, '他敏锐地察觉到了市场脉搏的变化' (He keenly perceived the changes in the market pulse). You should also be able to distinguish it from similar words like 脉动 (pulsation) and 节奏 (rhythm). At this level, you might encounter the word in academic texts, professional medical reports, or high-level literature. You should be comfortable using it as a subject or object in various grammatical structures, including passive sentences.

At the C1 level, 脉搏 becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You can use it to create vivid metaphors in your writing and speaking. You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word, especially its connection to the concept of 'Qi' in Chinese philosophy. You might use it in a sentence like '这首诗捕捉到了民族灵魂的脉搏' (This poem captured the pulse of the nation's soul). You are also familiar with technical terms related to it, such as '脉搏压' (pulse pressure) or '不整脉' (arrhythmia/irregular pulse). You can follow complex discussions about public health or economic theory where 脉搏 is used to describe systemic health. Your usage of the word is precise, and you never confuse it with simpler terms like 心跳 unless you are intentionally being casual.

At the C2 level, you use 脉搏 with the ease of a native speaker who has a deep literary or medical background. You can appreciate the word's use in classical-style modern prose or in highly specialized medical research. You might use it to discuss the 'macro-pulse' of civilizations or the 'micro-pulse' of cellular life. You understand all its idiomatic and metaphorical extensions. You can participate in debates about the future of TCM where the diagnostic value of the 脉搏 is discussed in depth. For you, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a concept that links the physical body to the broader rhythms of the universe. You can use it to express the most subtle observations about life, society, and the human condition.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

脉搏 in 30 Seconds

脉搏 (màibó) is the Chinese word for 'pulse'. It is a noun that describes the physical beating of arteries.
It is used in medical contexts to check health and in sports to monitor heart rate during exercise.
Metaphorically, it describes the 'heartbeat' or 'trends' of society, the economy, or an era (e.g., '时代的脉搏').
It is different from '心跳' (heartbeat), which refers to the heart itself. 脉搏 is what you feel at the wrist.

The term 脉搏 (màibó) refers to the rhythmic throbbing of arteries as blood is propelled through them by the contraction of the heart. In a literal medical sense, it is the 'pulse' that a doctor feels at your wrist or neck. However, in the Chinese language, 脉搏 is far more than just a biological measurement; it is a conceptual bridge between physical life and the abstract rhythm of systems, society, and time. When you use this word, you are often discussing the vital signs of an organism or the underlying energy and direction of a larger entity.

Medical Context: In clinical settings, 脉搏 is the standard term for a patient's pulse. Doctors will check if the 脉搏 is 'stable' (平稳), 'weak' (微弱), or 'rapid' (快). It is a noun that describes the phenomenon itself.
Metaphorical Context: Beyond the body, 脉搏 describes the 'heartbeat' of a city, an economy, or an era. For example, '时代的脉搏' (the pulse of the times) refers to the current trends and the spirit of the age.

医生正在仔细检查病人的脉搏。 (The doctor is carefully checking the patient's pulse.)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of 脉 (mài) is even deeper. It relates to the flow of 'Qi' and blood. While Western medicine focuses on the rate and rhythm, TCM practitioners use '切脉' (feeling the pulse) to diagnose complex internal imbalances. Therefore, when a Chinese speaker hears 脉搏, they might subconsciously associate it with this ancient diagnostic wisdom. It suggests an internal truth that can be felt from the surface.

我们要紧跟时代的脉搏，不断创新。 (We must keep up with the pulse of the times and innovate constantly.)

The word is composed of two characters: 脉 (mài), which originally meant 'veins' or 'arteries' (and by extension, the pulse), and 搏 (bó), which means 'to beat', 'to throb', or 'to struggle'. Together, they perfectly encapsulate the physical action of blood hitting the arterial walls. You will find this word in news headlines discussing the 'economic pulse' (经济脉搏), in literature describing the 'pulse of nature' (大地的脉搏), and in everyday health conversations.

Cultural Nuance: In Chinese culture, the pulse is seen as the external manifestation of internal vitality. A 'strong pulse' (脉搏有力) suggests health and vigor, not just physically but also in terms of a project or a community's life force.

跑步后，我的脉搏跳得很快。 (After running, my pulse is beating very fast.)

这座城市的脉搏在深夜依然清晰可见。 (The pulse of this city is still clearly visible late at night.)

通过脉搏，我们可以了解心脏的健康状况。 (Through the pulse, we can understand the health status of the heart.)

In summary, 脉搏 is a versatile B1-level word that transitions from the doctor's office to the philosopher's desk. It captures the essence of life's rhythm, whether that life is biological, social, or structural. Understanding its usage allows you to describe health, trends, and the very 'vibe' of a situation with precision and depth.

Using 脉搏 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. It is almost always the subject or the object of a sentence involving health, measurement, or metaphorical vitality. It is often paired with verbs that describe sensing or quantifying movement. Let's break down the common structures and environments where you will encounter this word.

Structure: Verb + 脉搏: Common verbs include 摸 (mō - feel), 测 (cè - measure), 听 (tīng - listen to, though 'feel' is more common), and 把握 (bǎwò - grasp/understand metaphorically).

护士在帮我摸脉搏。 (The nurse is feeling my pulse.)

When describing the quality of the pulse, we use adjectives. A 'weak' pulse is 微弱 (wēiruò), a 'strong' pulse is 有力 (yǒulì), and an 'irregular' pulse is 不齐 (bùqí). These descriptors help convey the state of the entity being discussed. For instance, in an economic report, one might say the 'economic pulse is weak,' implying a slowdown.

Structure: [Noun] + 的 + 脉搏: This is the most common way to use the word metaphorically. You can talk about the pulse of a city (城市的脉搏), the pulse of a market (市场的脉搏), or the pulse of history (历史的脉搏).

投资者需要敏锐地感知市场的脉搏。 (Investors need to keenly perceive the pulse of the market.)

In more complex sentences, 脉搏 can act as a barometer for change. Writers often use it to show how something is reacting to external stimuli. For example, if a law changes, how does the 'pulse of society' react? This usage elevates your Chinese from basic communication to nuanced expression.

急救员发现伤者已经没有脉搏了。 (The paramedic found that the injured person no longer had a pulse.)

音乐家通过音符感受生命的脉搏。 (Musicians feel the pulse of life through notes.)

Usage in Passive or Resultative Sentences: You might see 脉搏 used with resultative complements like 摸不到 (cannot feel/find the pulse) or 感觉到 (feel/sense the pulse).

虽然他的心跳很弱，但依然能摸到脉搏。 (Although his heartbeat is weak, the pulse can still be felt.)

When writing about 脉搏, ensure you don't confuse it with 动脉 (artery) or 静脉 (vein). 脉搏 is the *movement* within the artery. In academic or medical writing, it is often paired with 频率 (frequency/rate) to say 脉搏频率 (pulse rate), which is a very formal way to discuss heart rate.

这篇文章生动地刻画了时代前进的脉搏。 (This article vividly depicts the pulse of the advancement of the era.)

By mastering these patterns, you can use 脉搏 to describe everything from a routine check-up to the grand movements of human history. It is a word that provides both scientific accuracy and poetic resonance.

You will encounter 脉搏 in a wide variety of real-life scenarios in China, ranging from the very practical to the highly abstract. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word when it's spoken quickly or used in specialized writing.

Scenario 1: The Hospital or Clinic: This is the primary location. You'll hear nurses say, '请伸出手，我量一下你的脉搏' (Please reach out your hand, I'll measure your pulse). If you are watching a medical drama like '心术' (Angel Heart), you'll hear it constantly during emergency scenes.

病人的脉搏已经恢复正常了。 (The patient's pulse has returned to normal.)

Scenario 2: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Clinics. In China, TCM is very popular. Practitioners don't just 'check' the pulse; they 'read' it. You will hear the phrase '把脉' (bǎ mài) or '切脉' (qiè mài). While they might use the term 脉搏 to explain things to a layperson, the concept of the pulse is the foundation of their entire diagnostic process.

Scenario 3: Financial News and Economic Analysis: Financial commentators on channels like CCTV-2 often talk about '把握经济脉搏' (grasping the economic pulse). This means understanding the current state and future direction of the economy. It sounds professional and insightful.

我们要通过大数据分析，精准把握市场脉搏。 (We need to accurately grasp the market pulse through big data analysis.)

Scenario 4: Literature and Song Lyrics. Chinese songwriters love using 脉搏 to describe passion or connection. A song might say, '我的脉搏为你跳动' (My pulse beats for you). It conveys a sense of life being intertwined with another person or an idea.

Scenario 5: Sports and Fitness: In the gym, trainers might ask you to check your pulse to see if you are in the 'fat-burning zone.' They might say, '看一看你的脉搏是多少' (Check what your pulse is).

剧烈运动后，脉搏通常会加速。 (After strenuous exercise, the pulse usually accelerates.)

老中医通过脉搏就能断定他的病情。 (The old TCM doctor could determine his illness just through the pulse.)

You will also see this word in science textbooks (生物课本) when learning about the circulatory system. In these contexts, it is strictly biological. However, in the 'real world' of social media and blogs, you'll see it used to describe the 'vibe' of a new tech trend or a cultural movement. For example, '把握AI发展的脉搏' (Grasping the pulse of AI development).

在繁华的街道上，我感受到了城市跳动的脉搏。 (On the bustling streets, I felt the beating pulse of the city.)

Whether you are at a doctor's office, reading a business journal, or listening to a Mandopop ballad, 脉搏 is a key word that signals you are looking at the 'life' of something. It's a bridge between the physical and the conceptual.

While 脉搏 seems straightforward, English speakers often make specific errors when translating 'pulse' directly into Chinese. These mistakes usually stem from confusing 脉搏 with related concepts or using it with the wrong verbs. Let's look at how to avoid these pitfalls.

Mistake 1: Confusing 脉搏 (màibó) with 心跳 (xīntiào): In English, 'heartbeat' and 'pulse' are often used interchangeably in casual conversation. In Chinese, 脉搏 is specifically the arterial pulse you feel at the wrist. 心跳 is the actual beating of the heart. You wouldn't say '我能感觉到我的脉搏在胸腔里跳' (I can feel my pulse beating in my chest); you should use 心跳 there.

错误：他紧张得脉搏很快。 (Incorrect: His pulse is fast because he's nervous - implies you're measuring it.)
正确：他紧张得心跳很快。 (Correct: His heart is beating fast because he's nervous.)

Mistake 2: Using the wrong measure word. Pulse is a phenomenon, so you don't usually 'count' it as an object. If you want to say 'a pulse,' you usually just say 脉搏. If you are counting beats, you use 次 (cì). For example: 脉搏每分钟70次 (The pulse is 70 times per minute).

Mistake 3: Confusing 脉搏 with 血压 (xuèyā): Some learners confuse 'pulse' with 'blood pressure.' While they are related, they are distinct. 脉搏 is the rhythm; 血压 is the pressure. You 'measure' (量) both, but they are different metrics.

错误：我的脉搏很高。 (Incorrect: My pulse is high - sounds like you mean blood pressure.)
正确：我的脉搏很快。 (Correct: My pulse is fast.)

Mistake 4: Misusing 搏 (bó) vs. 打 (dǎ). You never 'hit' a pulse. The verb for the pulse beating itself is 跳动 (tiàodòng). The verb for a person feeling a pulse is 摸 (mō) or 感觉 (gǎnjué). Using 打 (dǎ) is a common error from learners trying to translate 'the pulse is hitting/beating' literally.

Mistake 5: Over-using the metaphorical sense: While 'pulse of the city' is common, don't use 脉搏 for every kind of rhythm. For a song's rhythm, use 节奏 (jiézòu). For a person's life rhythm, use 节奏 as well. 脉搏 implies a deep, vital, underlying flow.

错误：这首歌的脉搏很快。 (Incorrect: This song's pulse is fast.)
正确：这首歌的节奏很快。 (Correct: This song's rhythm is fast.)

错误：医生在打我的脉搏。 (Incorrect: The doctor is 'hitting' my pulse.)
正确：医生在摸我的脉搏。 (Correct: The doctor is feeling my pulse.)

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between 心跳 and 脉搏—you will sound much more natural. Remember that 脉搏 is technical and deep, while 心跳 is more visceral and emotional.

In Chinese, several words describe rhythms, beats, and vital flows. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about biology, music, or abstract trends. Here is a comparison of 脉搏 with its closest relatives.

脉搏 (màibó) vs. 心跳 (xīntiào): 脉搏: Specifically the arterial pulse. More technical, medical, or used for 'the pulse of the times'.
心跳: The physical heartbeat. Used for emotions (excitement, fear) and general health. Example: '我心跳加速' (My heart is racing).
脉搏 (màibó) vs. 节奏 (jiézòu): 脉搏: An underlying life force or trend. It's internal.
节奏: Rhythm or tempo. Used for music, work-life balance, or the speed of a process. Example: '生活节奏太快' (The pace of life is too fast).

我们要把握经济发展的脉搏，而不是仅仅关注增长的节奏。 (We need to grasp the pulse of economic development, not just focus on the rhythm of growth.)

Another word often confused is 脉动 (màidòng). While 脉搏 is the noun for the pulse itself, 脉动 is often used as a noun or verb to describe the act of pulsating or the energy behind it. It feels more 'active' and is frequently used in scientific or poetic descriptions of energy waves or planetary movements.

脉搏 (màibó) vs. 律动 (lǜdòng): 脉搏: Vital sign, internal rhythm.
律动: Rhythmic movement, often used in dance or the 'rhythm of nature'. It sounds more artistic and deliberate than 脉搏.

春天的到来让大地恢复了脉搏。 (The arrival of spring restored the pulse of the earth.)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, you will hear 脉象 (màixiàng). This refers to the 'condition' or 'type' of pulse (e.g., slippery pulse, thready pulse). 脉搏 is the general term, while 脉象 is the specific diagnostic quality. For a learner, 脉搏 is usually enough, but knowing 脉象 helps if you visit a TCM doctor.

他的脉搏有力，显示出强健的体魄。 (His pulse is strong, showing a robust physique.)

Summary Table: - 脉搏: Pulse (Medical/Metaphorical)
- 心跳: Heartbeat (Emotional/Physical)
- 节奏: Rhythm (Music/Life Speed)
- 脉动: Pulsation (Energy/Dynamic)
- 趋势: Trend (Purely abstract)

Choosing between these depends on the 'flavor' you want. Use 脉搏 for something that feels alive and essential. Use 节奏 for something that feels structured and timed. Use 心跳 for something that feels personal and emotional.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 脉 has a 'flesh' radical (月), which is a common feature in Chinese characters for body parts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /maɪ bɔː/

US /maɪ boʊ/

The stress is equal on both syllables in Mandarin: mài-bó.

Rhymes With

bó rhymes with: 夺 (duó), 活 (huó), 佛 (fó), 驳 (bó), 泊 (bó), 脖 (bó), 伯 (bó), 博 (bó)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bó' as 'pó' (like grandmother).
Using the first tone for 'mài' (māi) instead of the fourth tone.
Confusing the 'b' sound with a hard English 'b'; it should be unaspirated.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are slightly complex but commonly seen.

Writing 4/5

Writing '搏' can be tricky due to many strokes.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is relatively straightforward.

Listening 2/5

Clearly distinguishable in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

手心医生跳正常

Learn Next

动脉静脉血压诊断节奏

Advanced

脉象经络气血律动搏动

Grammar to Know

Using '得' for degree

脉搏跳得很快。

Measure word '次' for frequency

脉搏每分钟72次。

Metaphorical '的' construction

时代的脉搏。

Verb reduplication for trial

摸摸脉搏。

Resultative complements

摸不到脉搏。

Examples by Level

这是我的脉搏。

This is my pulse.

Simple 'Subject + Verb + Object' structure.

脉搏在跳。

The pulse is beating.

Using '在' to show ongoing action.

医生摸脉搏。

The doctor feels the pulse.

Simple 'Verb + Object'.

我的脉搏很快。

My pulse is fast.

Adjective '快' modifying the noun.

你的脉搏呢？

Where is your pulse? / How about your pulse?

Using '呢' for a question.

他没有脉搏了。

He has no pulse anymore.

Using '没有...了' to show a change in state.

脉搏跳得好。

The pulse beats well.

Using '得' to describe the action.

摸摸看脉搏。

Try feeling the pulse.

Verb reduplication '摸摸' for 'try and...'.

运动后脉搏会变快。

The pulse will become faster after exercise.

'会' indicates a likely future result.

护士在记录我的脉搏。

The nurse is recording my pulse.

'在' + verb for present continuous.

我能感觉到脉搏的跳动。

I can feel the beating of the pulse.

Using '...的跳动' as a noun phrase.

他的脉搏非常平稳。

His pulse is very steady.

'非常' is an intensifier.

请量一下脉搏。

Please measure the pulse.

'一下' indicates a short action.

脉搏每分钟跳多少次？

How many times does the pulse beat per minute?

Question structure with '多少'.

医生说脉搏很正常。

The doctor said the pulse is normal.

Reported speech.

他的脉搏突然停了。

His pulse suddenly stopped.

Adverb '突然' modifying the verb.

我们要紧跟时代的脉搏。

We must keep up with the pulse of the times.

Metaphorical use of '时代的脉搏'.

病人的脉搏微弱，需要急救。

The patient's pulse is weak and needs emergency care.

Adjective '微弱' (weak) describing 脉搏.

我听到了大地跳动的脉搏。

I heard the beating pulse of the earth.

Personification of the earth.

通过脉搏可以判断身体状况。

One can judge health status through the pulse.

'通过' (through/by means of).

他能精准地把握市场脉搏。

He can accurately grasp the market pulse.

'把握' (grasp) used metaphorically.

这首歌充满了生命的脉搏。

This song is full of the pulse of life.

'充满了' (is full of).

医生仔细地摸着他的脉搏。

The doctor is carefully feeling his pulse.

'着' indicates a continuous state.

脉搏的强弱反映了心脏的功能。

The strength of the pulse reflects heart function.

'反映' (reflects).

中医通过切脉来诊断疾病。

TCM practitioners diagnose diseases by feeling the pulse.

'切脉' is a formal term for taking a pulse.

城市的脉搏在深夜也未曾停歇。

The pulse of the city never stops even late at night.

'未曾' is a formal 'never'.

这篇文章深刻揭示了社会的脉搏。

This article profoundly reveals the pulse of society.

'揭示' (reveal).

由于过度劳累，他的脉搏有些不齐。

Due to overwork, his pulse is somewhat irregular.

'由于' (due to) starting a cause clause.

我们要时刻关注经济发展的脉搏。

We must always pay attention to the pulse of economic development.

'时刻' (at all times).

诗人的笔触触及了民族的脉搏。

The poet's brush touched the pulse of the nation.

'触及' (touch upon).

监控器显示脉搏频率正在下降。

The monitor shows the pulse frequency is dropping.

'脉搏频率' (pulse frequency).

他试图在喧嚣中寻找内心的脉搏。

He tried to find the pulse of his inner heart in the clamor.

'试图' (attempt to).

这部电影完美捕捉到了都市生活的脉搏。

This movie perfectly captured the pulse of urban life.

'捕捉' (capture) + '脉搏'.

脉搏的每一次跳动都牵动着家人的心。

Every beat of the pulse affects the family's hearts.

'牵动' (tug at/affect).

这种新药能有效稳定患者的脉搏。

This new medicine can effectively stabilize the patient's pulse.

'稳定' (stabilize) as a verb.

改革开放为中国注入了新的脉搏。

Reform and opening up injected a new pulse into China.

'注入' (inject).

他对时代脉搏的精准预判令人叹服。

His accurate prediction of the pulse of the times is admirable.

'预判' (prediction) and '令人叹服' (admirable).

脉搏的变化往往预示着生理机能的转变。

Changes in the pulse often portend shifts in physiological functions.

'预示' (portend/foreshadow).

在历史的长河中，个人的脉搏显得如此渺小。

In the long river of history, an individual's pulse seems so tiny.

'渺小' (tiny/insignificant).

这位指挥家赋予了乐曲强有力的脉搏。

The conductor gave the piece of music a powerful pulse.

'赋予' (endow/give).

其作品不仅有艺术美感，更跳动着时代的脉搏。

His work not only has artistic beauty but also beats with the pulse of the times.

'不仅...更...' for emphasis.

探寻文明的脉搏需要深厚的人文底蕴。

Exploring the pulse of a civilization requires a profound cultural foundation.

'探寻' (explore/seek).

脉搏之于生命，正如创新之于企业发展。

Pulse is to life as innovation is to corporate development.

'A之于B，正如C之于D' (A is to B as C is to D).

他屏息凝神，试图感应那微弱的生命脉搏。

He held his breath and focused, trying to sense that faint pulse of life.

Rich vocabulary: '屏息凝神' (holding breath and concentrating).

这种宏观经济政策旨在调控市场的整体脉搏。

This macroeconomic policy aims to regulate the overall pulse of the market.

'旨在' (aims to).

在寂静的荒原上，他仿佛能听见地球的脉搏。

On the silent wilderness, he felt as if he could hear the pulse of the Earth.

'仿佛' (as if).

医者仁心，在于对每一丝脉搏跳动的敬畏。

A doctor's benevolent heart lies in the awe for every single pulse beat.

'在于' (lies in).

该理论试图从纷繁复杂的现象中理清时代的脉搏。

The theory attempts to clarify the pulse of the times from complex phenomena.

'理清' (to straighten out/clarify).

Common Collocations

量脉搏

摸脉搏

时代的脉搏

经济脉搏

脉搏微弱

脉搏平稳

脉搏加快

切脉

脉搏频率

生命脉搏

Common Phrases

脉搏跳动

— The pulse is beating.

我能感觉到脉搏跳动。

把握脉搏

— To grasp the pulse (understand the trend).

把握市场脉搏。

触摸脉搏

— To touch/feel the pulse.

轻轻触摸脉搏。

脉搏正常

— Pulse is normal.

检查结果显示脉搏正常。

失去脉搏

— To lose the pulse (die).

他已经失去了脉搏。

脉搏不齐

— Irregular pulse.

老人的脉搏有些不齐。

寻找脉搏

— To look for the pulse.

在手腕上寻找脉搏。

脉搏计

— Pulse meter.

他买了一个电子脉搏计。

强有力的脉搏

— A strong and powerful pulse.

城市有着强有力的脉搏。

切中脉搏

— To hit the pulse (be exactly right about a trend).

他的分析切中了时代脉搏。

Often Confused With

脉搏 vs 心跳

Pulse (wrist) vs Heartbeat (chest).

脉搏 vs 血压

Rhythm vs Pressure.

脉搏 vs 动脉

The movement vs the physical pipe.

Idioms & Expressions

"脉搏相通"

— To share the same pulse; to be closely linked in spirit.

两岸人民脉搏相通。

Formal/Literary

"切中要害"

— To hit the nail on the head (related to 'hitting the pulse').

他的话切中要害。

Neutral

"息息相关"

— Closely related (like breathing and pulse).

我们的利益息息相关。

Common

"同呼吸共命运"

— To share the same breath and fate (often paired with pulse).

我们与祖国同呼吸共命运。

Political

"扣人心弦"

— Tugging at the heartstrings (related to rhythm/beat).

故事扣人心弦。

Literary

"一脉相承"

— Coming from the same origin; a continuous line.

这种文化一脉相承。

Formal

"生命力强"

— Strong vitality (having a strong pulse).

这种植物生命力强。

Neutral

"与时俱进"

— To keep up with the times (following the pulse of the era).

我们要与时俱进。

Formal

"波澜壮阔"

— Grand and magnificent (like a powerful pulse of waves).

历史波澜壮阔。

Literary

"心领神会"

— To understand intuitively (like feeling a pulse).

两人心领神会。

Literary

Easily Confused

脉搏 vs 脉络

Both start with 脉.

脉络 refers to the sequence or logical thread of something, not the physical beat.

这篇文章的脉络很清晰。

脉搏 vs 搏斗

Both use 搏.

搏斗 means a physical fight or struggle.

他与歹徒展开了搏斗。

脉搏 vs 节奏

Both refer to rhythm.

节奏 is more about timing and speed, 脉搏 is about vital life force.

音乐的节奏感很强。

脉搏 vs 脉动

Extremely similar.

脉动 is more of a verb/action of pulsating; 脉搏 is the noun for the pulse itself.

心脏在剧烈脉动。

脉搏 vs 气脉

Used in TCM.

气脉 refers to the flow of energy and blood together in a more spiritual sense.

调理气脉对身体有好处。

Sentence Patterns

这是[Noun]的脉搏。

这是我的脉搏。

[Verb]一下脉搏。

摸一下脉搏。

[Noun]的脉搏很[Adjective]。

他的脉搏很微弱。

我们要把握[Abstract Noun]的脉搏。

我们要把握市场的脉搏。

通过[Action]来监测脉搏。

通过手表来监测脉搏。

脉搏的变化反映了[Noun]。

脉搏的变化反映了健康状况。

[Noun]跳动着[Noun]的脉搏。

城市跳动着活力的脉搏。

[Clause]，正切中了时代的脉搏。

他的观点新颖，正切中了时代的脉搏。

Word Family

Nouns

脉络 (mài luò - context/sequence)

动脉 (dòng mài - artery)

静脉 (jìng mài - vein)

山脉 (shān mài - mountain range)

Verbs

搏动 (bó dòng - to throb)

拼搏 (pīn bó - to struggle hard)

搏斗 (bó dòu - to fight)

Adjectives

脉脉 (mò mò - affectionate/gazing, note different pronunciation)

心脏

血液

健康

节奏

诊断

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical, fitness, and news reporting.

Common Mistakes

我的脉搏很高 → 我的脉搏很快
In Chinese, pulses are fast (快), not high (高). High is for blood pressure.
我能听到我的脉搏在胸口跳 → 我能听到我的心跳
You feel a pulse in your wrist; you hear a heartbeat in your chest.
量脉博 → 量脉搏
Using the wrong 'bo' character. 搏 (beat) vs 博 (broad).
他脉搏我 → 他摸了我的脉搏
脉搏 is not a verb. You need a verb like 摸 (feel).
这首歌的脉搏很好 → 这首歌的节奏很好
Use 节奏 for music rhythm, not 脉搏.

Tips

Noun Status

Always treat 脉搏 as a noun. Don't say '我脉搏' (I pulse), say '我的脉搏在跳动'.

Check the Radical

The radical in 脉 is 月 (flesh), which tells you it's a body part.

TCM Context

Mentioning '把脉' shows you understand Chinese culture deeply.

Tone Accuracy

The fourth tone on 脉 is sharp and falling. Practice it with 'mài'.

Abstract Use

Use '把握脉搏' in business meetings to sound like a professional analyst.

Avoid Typos

Be careful not to write 搏 as 博. The hand radical 扌 is essential.

Context Clues

If you hear it in a hospital, it's medical. In a news studio, it's metaphorical.

vs. 血压

Remember: Pulse is 'fast/slow', Blood Pressure is 'high/low'.

Daily Practice

Check your fitness tracker and say the number in Chinese: '我的脉搏是...'

One-Pulse

Learn '一脉相承' to describe things that have a continuous heritage.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'My' (脉 - mài) 'Boat' (搏 - bó). My boat is rocking with the rhythm of the pulse.

Visual Association

Imagine a hand (扌) in 搏 feeling the flesh (月) in 脉. The hand is feeling the beat.

Word Web

脉搏心脏医生手腕跳动健康时代经济

Challenge

Try to find your pulse and say '这是我的脉搏' three times in Chinese.

Word Origin

脉 (mài) originally depicted the branching of rivers, later applied to blood vessels. 搏 (bó) depicts a hand (扌) and a sound element, meaning to strike or beat.

Original meaning: The beating of the blood vessels.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

None. It's a standard medical and metaphorical term.

In English, 'pulse' is also used for music and trends, but 'heartbeat' is more common for the city or a project.

The concept of '切脉' (pulse taking) in the 'Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon'. The sports drink brand '脉动' (Mizone). The metaphor '时代的脉搏' in modern Chinese literature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's

量脉搏
脉搏正常吗？
脉搏有点快
感觉不到脉搏

In the Gym

监测脉搏
运动脉搏
最高脉搏
脉搏恢复

Economic News

经济脉搏
市场脉搏
把握脉搏
感受脉搏

Literature

时代的脉搏
生命的脉搏
大地的脉搏
历史的脉搏

Emergency

没有脉搏了
脉搏微弱
寻找脉搏
恢复脉搏

Conversation Starters

"你运动后的脉搏通常是多少？"

"你觉得我们该如何把握这个时代的脉搏？"

"中医切脉真的能看出病情吗？"

"你最近有量过你的脉搏吗？"

"你觉得一个城市的脉搏在哪里？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你感到脉搏跳动非常剧烈的经历。

你认为现在的社会脉搏是什么样的？是快还是慢？

如果用一种声音来代表你生活的脉搏，那会是什么？

写一写你对中医‘切脉’这种诊断方式的看法。

记录一下你今天在不同状态下的脉搏变化。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

脉搏 is the pulse felt at the arteries, while 心跳 is the actual heartbeat. Use 心跳 for emotions and 脉搏 for medical checks.

You can say 量脉搏 (liáng màibó) or 摸脉搏 (mō màibó). In TCM, it's 把脉 (bǎ mài).

It's better to use 节奏 (jiézòu) for music. 脉搏 is used metaphorically for 'life' or 'trends'.

Yes, especially when talking about health, exercise, or analyzing news trends.

Use 次 (cì) for the number of beats, e.g., 每分钟70次.

It is 脉搏. '博' means 'broad' or 'doctorate', while '搏' means 'to beat'.

Use 脉搏微弱 (màibó wēiruò).

It means the 'pulse of the times' or the current trends and spirit of society.

No, it is always a noun. Use 跳动 (tiàodòng) as the verb.

It is neutral to formal. It's the standard term in both medical and literary contexts.