unknown, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #27504, Very Hard
楠
nán
Chinese giant redwood
unknown, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #27504, Very Hard
nán(nan2) T2
1Machilus nanmu
2Chinese cedar
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March 24, 2026
楠(枏)nán(nan2)
The character '楠' (nán) refers primarily to the Machilus nanmu tree, which is valued for its high-quality timber. It is also associated with the Chinese cedar and the Chinese giant redwood, both important in construction and traditional medicine. This character highlights the significance of these trees in Chinese culture, particularly in terms of their durability and beauty.
Strokes13Radical木Frequency#27504DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, trees like the '楠' are often associated with stability and longevity, reflecting values of resilience and strength. These trees are frequently mentioned in poetry and literature, symbolizing a deep connection to nature.
Memory Tip
Think of '楠' as a tree standing tall, with the left side resembling the trunk and the right side suggesting branches reaching outwards. Visualize a giant, majestic tree (like a cedar) that provides shelter and strength, echoing the pronunciation 'nán' with the sound of the wind rustling through its leaves.
Meanings of 楠
nán(nan2)
1Machilus nanmu
2Chinese cedar
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 楠
楠Simplified
枏Traditional
13Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 楠
Podcast: 楠
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AI Study Notes for 楠
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '楠' as a tree standing tall, with the left side resembling the trunk and the right side suggesting branches reaching outwards. Visualize a giant, majestic tree (like a cedar) that provides shelter and strength, echoing the pronunciation 'nán' with the sound of the wind rustling through its leaves.
Usage Notes
While '楠' specifically refers to certain types of trees, learners might confuse it with other wood-related characters. It is usually used in more formal contexts, particularly in discussions about timber or nature. Be cautious of using the wrong tone, as 'nán' should not be confused with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.
HSK Study Tips
Although '楠' is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it is useful for students interested in botany or traditional Chinese architecture. Focus on recognizing related terms in nature and construction, as they often share similar radicals or components.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, trees like the '楠' are often associated with stability and longevity, reflecting values of resilience and strength. These trees are frequently mentioned in poetry and literature, symbolizing a deep connection to nature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce '楠' as 'nǎn' instead of the correct 'nán'. Another common mistake is using it improperly in casual conversations, where simpler terms for trees might be more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 楠
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Cultural Notes for 楠
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, trees like the '楠' are often associated with stability and longevity, reflecting values of resilience and strength. These trees are frequently mentioned in poetry and literature, symbolizing a deep connection to nature.
Word Family of 楠
Words Containing This Character6
楠nánMachilus nanmu
王楠Wang Nan (1978-), female PRC table tennis player, Olympic medalist
楠木Phoebe zhennan
楠竹moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), used as timber etc
楠格哈尔省Nangarhar province of Afghanistan楠格哈爾省
楠梓区Nanzi or Nantzu district of Kaohsiung city 高雄市[Gāoxióngshì], south Taiwan楠梓區
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 楠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 楠
Besides its use in construction, '楠' is often referenced in traditional medicine for its healing properties.
Yes, be careful with characters like '南' (south) and '难' (difficult), as they can easily be confused due to their similar sounds.
Connect 'nán' to the image of a 'man' ('男') standing under a tree, as both share similar sounds.