Meanings of 笋
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About 笋
Podcast: 笋
Podcast: 笋
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AI Study Notes for 笋
笋 (bamboo shoots) vs 芽 (buds) — use 笋 for edible bamboo shoots specifically, while 芽 refers to the general concept of plant buds.
Be careful not to confuse 笋 with other similar-sounding words, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings. It's mainly used in informal contexts related to food. Common collocations include 笋炒 (sǔn chǎo, stir-fried bamboo shoots) and 笋汤 (sǔn tāng, bamboo shoot soup).
While 笋 is not in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well to other food-related words. Students should focus on its pronunciation and practice using it in the context of discussing dishes or recipes, as this will enhance their conversational skills.
Learners often mispronounce 笋 as 'sùn' instead of 'sǔn'. Additionally, some might confuse it with the character for '孙' (sūn), which means 'grandson'. Always remember that 笋 specifically refers to bamboo shoots.
Pronunciation of 笋
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Etymology of 笋
Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 尹 represents the sound. Simplified form of 筍.
bamboo
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 笋
Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 尹 represents the sound. Simplified form of 筍.
- 1The meaning half⺮ carries the sense.
- 2The sound half尹 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaybamboo
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 笋? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 笋
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How to say bamboo shoots in Chinese
“bamboo shoots” in Chinese is笋
The character 笋 (sǔn) refers to bamboo shoots, which are the young edible sprouts of bamboo plants. Commonly used in Chinese cuisine, they are valued for their crunchy texture and are often added to stir-fries and soups. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any tender shoot of a plant.
When to use 笋
Be careful not to confuse 笋 with other similar-sounding words, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings. It's mainly used in informal contexts related to food. Common collocations include 笋炒 (sǔn chǎo, stir-fried bamboo shoots) and 笋汤 (sǔn tāng, bamboo shoot soup).
笋 or something close to it
笋 (bamboo shoots) vs 芽 (buds) — use 笋 for edible bamboo shoots specifically, while 芽 refers to the general concept of plant buds.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 笋 as 'sùn' instead of 'sǔn'. Additionally, some might confuse it with the character for '孙' (sūn), which means 'grandson'. Always remember that 笋 specifically refers to bamboo shoots.
Write 笋
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Practice writing 笋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 笋
笋 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
竹____是熊猫的主要食物，这是人所共知的。
It is well known that bamboo shoots are a panda's staple diet.
Example Sentences for 笋 (3)
Word Family of 笋
Compound Meaning
What does 芦笋 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 笋
The correct pronunciation is 'sǔn' with a rising tone. Practice saying it with emphasis on the 'u' sound.
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