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March 24, 2026
芥gài(gai4)
The character 芥 (gài) refers to mustard, a type of plant often used in cooking for its distinct flavor. It can also refer to broccoli in certain contexts, particularly in Chinese cuisine, where mustard greens are a popular ingredient. This character is commonly encountered in food-related discussions or recipes.
Strokes7Radical艹Frequency#19226DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, mustard greens are often used in traditional dishes, especially in southern China, where they provide a unique flavor profile. The popularity of these greens reflects the importance of fresh vegetables in Chinese daily meals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant mustard plant (芥) growing in a garden. The character looks like a sprout (the left radical) with a hint of the mustard color (yellow) all around it. Picture a chef saying 'gài' while harvesting mustard greens to remember the sound.
Meanings of 芥
gài(gai4)
primary
1mustard, broccoli
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 芥
芥Simplified
7Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 芥
Podcast: 芥
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AI Study Notes for 芥
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant mustard plant (芥) growing in a garden. The character looks like a sprout (the left radical) with a hint of the mustard color (yellow) all around it. Picture a chef saying 'gài' while harvesting mustard greens to remember the sound.
Usage Notes
Be aware that 芥 is primarily used in culinary contexts, so it's best suited for informal conversations about food. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters; ensure you pronounce the tones correctly to avoid miscommunication. Phrases like 芥菜 (mustard greens) are useful collocations.
HSK Study Tips
Though not specifically listed in HSK levels, 芥 can be associated with food vocabulary that students may encounter in HSK 3 or 4. Focus on expanding your culinary vocabulary to include other related terms, such as 蔬菜 (vegetables) and 菜 (dishes).
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, mustard greens are often used in traditional dishes, especially in southern China, where they provide a unique flavor profile. The popularity of these greens reflects the importance of fresh vegetables in Chinese daily meals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 芥 with similar characters like 津 (jīn), which means 'broth'. For example, saying '我喜欢津' (I like jiān) instead of '我喜欢芥' (I like gài) can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 芥
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Grammar Patterns of 芥
芥 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
到处都是武装分子，视人命如草____。
There were armed people about, people with little regard for human life.
Give me a Chicken McNuggets meal with hot mustard sauce.
Cultural Notes for 芥
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cuisine, mustard greens are often used in traditional dishes, especially in southern China, where they provide a unique flavor profile. The popularity of these greens reflects the importance of fresh vegetables in Chinese daily meals.
Word Family of 芥
Words Containing This Character8
芥末mustard
芥gàiChinese broccoli
芥菜also pr. [gàicài]
芥蒂barrier
芥兰Chinese broccoli芥蘭
芥子气mustard gas芥子氣
芥蓝Chinese broccoli芥藍
拾芥to pick up cress
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 芥末 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 芥
Common dishes include stir-fried mustard greens and pickled mustard greens, which are often served as side dishes.
The correct pronunciation is 'gài', with a falling tone.
Yes, 芥 usually refers to mustard greens, but it can also mean the mustard condiment in some contexts.
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