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March 24, 2026
籽zǐ(zi3)
The character 籽 (zǐ) refers to the seeds or pits found in fruits and plants. It is often used in agricultural contexts, as well as in discussions related to growth, reproduction, and the beginning of new life. In a broader sense, it can also imply the essence or core of something.
Strokes9Radical米Frequency#20582DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, seeds (籽) symbolize potential and new beginnings, especially in agricultural traditions where planting seeds marks the start of a new growing season. The importance of seeds can be seen during festivals like the Spring Festival, which celebrates renewal.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny seed (籽) that contains the potential for a large tree. The character 籽 has a radical (竹) that represents bamboo, which is known for its seeds, reminding you of growth and nature. The pronunciation 'zǐ' can sound like 'zi', as in 'zi'pping a fruit to find its seeds.
Meanings of 籽
zǐ(zi3)
1seed, pit, pip
2seeds
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 籽
籽Simplified
9Strokes
米Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 籽
Podcast: 籽
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AI Study Notes for 籽
Quick Contrast
种子 (zhǒngzǐ) vs 籽 (zǐ): Use 种子 when referring to seeds specifically for planting or cultivation, while 籽 can refer to seeds or pits in a broader sense, including those in fruits.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny seed (籽) that contains the potential for a large tree. The character 籽 has a radical (竹) that represents bamboo, which is known for its seeds, reminding you of growth and nature. The pronunciation 'zǐ' can sound like 'zi', as in 'zi'pping a fruit to find its seeds.
Usage Notes
Ensure that you use 籽 (zǐ) specifically for seeds and not interchangeably with other words for fruit or vegetables. It is typically used in informal contexts, but can also appear in scientific writing. Be cautious with the tone; using a neutral tone may lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
While 籽 (zǐ) is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be related to other HSK Level 1 words like 种 (zhǒng, to plant) and 树 (shù, tree). Focus on understanding its application in contexts of agriculture and nature to build vocabulary around that theme.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, seeds (籽) symbolize potential and new beginnings, especially in agricultural traditions where planting seeds marks the start of a new growing season. The importance of seeds can be seen during festivals like the Spring Festival, which celebrates renewal.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 籽 (zǐ) with 种子 (zhǒng zǐ, meaning seeds in general), using them interchangeably. Remember that 籽 specifically refers to the seeds or pits inside fruits, while 种子 is a more general term for seeds.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 籽
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Grammar Patterns of 籽
籽 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.
In the mouth the water melts away and the seed chews sharp and bitter.
6
下剩的油菜籽不多了.
xià shèng de yóu cài zǐ bù duō le.
There aren't many rape seeds left.
7
我用鱼籽炒几个鸡蛋好 吗 ?
wǒ yòng yú zǐ chǎo jī gè jī dàn hǎo?
I'll scramble some eggs with roe?
8
本文研究了蓖麻渣和蓖麻籽中蓖麻碱的提取方法.
běn wén yán jiū le bì má zhā hé bì má zǐ zhōng bì má jiǎn de tí qǔ fāng fǎ.
This paper studies the method of extraction of ricinine in castor pomace.
Cultural Notes for 籽
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, seeds (籽) symbolize potential and new beginnings, especially in agricultural traditions where planting seeds marks the start of a new growing season. The importance of seeds can be seen during festivals like the Spring Festival, which celebrates renewal.
Word Family of 籽
Words Containing This Character2
籽zǐseeds
籽实seed籽實
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 籽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 籽
You might hear 籽 in phrases like '果籽' (guǒ zǐ), meaning fruit seeds, or '种子' (zhǒng zǐ), which means seeds in a broader agricultural sense.
Yes, 籽 can refer to both edible seeds like those found in fruits and non-edible seeds like those in certain plants.
