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荏 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
荏rěnherb, mint; soft, pliablev, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58275, Very Hard
荏rěnbeefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens)unknown, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58275, Very Hard
荏rěnweakunknown, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58275, Very Hard
rěn(ren3)ren T3
  1. 1herb, mint; soft, pliable
  2. 2beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens)
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March 24, 2026

荏rěn(ren3)

The character 荏 (rěn) primarily refers to a type of herb, specifically the beefsteak plant, also known as perilla or mint. It can also describe something that is soft or pliable, conveying a sense of gentleness or weakness, often used in contexts related to texture or character.

Strokes9Radical艹Frequency#58275DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese medicine, herbs like 荏 (perilla) are valued for their health benefits and are often used in cooking and herbal remedies, reflecting the importance of natural ingredients in Chinese culture.

Memory tip

Imagine a soft, green herb swaying gently in the breeze, representing the character 荏. The left part of the character (艹) looks like grass, emphasizing its connection to herbs, while the right part (忍) hints at 'enduring' or 'tolerating,' suggesting the softness or pliability of the plant.

Meanings of 荏

rěn(ren3)
1herb, mint; soft, pliable
2beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 荏

荏Simplified
9Strokes
艹Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 荏

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Podcast: 荏

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AI Study Notes for 荏

Usage Notes

荏 (rěn) is more commonly used in literary or poetic contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Learners should be aware of its specific meaning as it can be confused with similar-sounding words. It is often paired with other characters related to plants or softness.

HSK Study Tips

Although 荏 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your knowledge of plant-related terms, which may appear in advanced readings. Focus on recognizing the character's components and its association with herbs.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 荏 with similar characters like 忍 (rěn), which means 'to endure.' It's important to remember that 荏 specifically relates to herbs and softness. For example, saying 荏 means 'to endure' is incorrect; use 忍 instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 荏

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Etymology of 荏

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

herb

Semantic (meaning)艹
+
Phonetic (sound)任
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

荏 = 艹 + 任. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 荏

IDS Structure⿱艹任
荏Full character
=
艹cao3
top
任Ren4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 荏?

How to say herb, mint; soft, pliable in Chinese

“herb, mint; soft, pliable” in Chinese is荏rěn

The character 荏 (rěn) primarily refers to a type of herb, specifically the beefsteak plant, also known as perilla or mint. It can also describe something that is soft or pliable, conveying a sense of gentleness or weakness, often used in contexts related to texture or character.

When to use 荏

荏 (rěn) is more commonly used in literary or poetic contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Learners should be aware of its specific meaning as it can be confused with similar-sounding words. It is often paired with other characters related to plants or softness.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 荏 with similar characters like 忍 (rěn), which means 'to endure.' It's important to remember that 荏 specifically relates to herbs and softness. For example, saying 荏 means 'to endure' is incorrect; use 忍 instead.

Write 荏

荏

Practice writing 荏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 荏

Words containing this character3
荏rěnsoft
荏苒(literary) (of time) to slip away
色厉内荏a sheep in wolf's clothing色厲內荏
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 荏

What does 荏苒 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 荏

荏 refers to perilla, which is commonly used in various Asian dishes for its distinct flavor and aroma.

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