unknown, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #43814, Very Hard
jiá(jia2) T2
1seed-pod
2pod (botany)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
荚(莢)jiá(jia2)
The character 荚 (jiá) refers to a seed-pod or a pod in botany, which is a type of fruit that encloses seeds. It is commonly used in discussions about plants and agriculture, especially in contexts involving the growth and development of seeds.
Strokes9Radical艹Frequency#43814DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese agriculture, understanding plant structures, including seed-pods, was crucial for effective farming practices and crop management, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'jacket' (which sounds like 'jiá') that protects seeds, just like a seed-pod does. Picture a pod with little seeds peeking out, wearing tiny jackets to stay safe and warm.
Meanings of 荚
jiá(jia2)
1seed-pod
2pod (botany)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 荚
荚Simplified
莢Traditional
9Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 荚
Podcast: 荚
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 荚
Quick Contrast
荚 (jiá, pod) vs 果 (guǒ, fruit) — use 荚 specifically for seed-containing pods, while 果 refers to the mature fruit itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'jacket' (which sounds like 'jiá') that protects seeds, just like a seed-pod does. Picture a pod with little seeds peeking out, wearing tiny jackets to stay safe and warm.
Usage Notes
荚 is typically used in formal contexts, particularly in scientific or botanical discussions. A common mistake is confusing it with 药 (yào), which means medicine; remember that 荚 relates to plants while 药 refers to health.
HSK Study Tips
Although 荚 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for learners interested in botany or plant terminology. Focus on related words like 种子 (zhǒngzi, seed) and 果实 (guǒshí, fruit) to enhance your vocabulary in this area.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese agriculture, understanding plant structures, including seed-pods, was crucial for effective farming practices and crop management, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 荚 with similar-sounding words like 夹 (jiā), which means to clip or to hold. Be mindful of the context to avoid such mix-ups.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 荚
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 荚 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 荚 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 荚
荚 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他开始把豌豆____倒进锅中.
He started tipping the pea pods into a pan.
Example Sentences for 荚 (4)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他开始把豌豆荚倒进锅中.
tā kāi shǐ bǎ wān dòu jiá dǎo jìn guō zhōng.
He started tipping the pea pods into a pan.
2
有人喜欢收集香蒲属植物 、 干枯的马利筋属植物的茎荚和其他野草,将它们着色, 然后再做成装饰品.
yǒu rén xǐ huān shōu jí xiāng pú shǔ zhí wù、 、 gān kū de mǎ lì jīn shǔ zhí wù de jīng jiá hé qí tā yě, cǎo , jiāng tā mén, zháo sè , rán hòu zài zuò chéng.
Cattails, dried milkweed pods, and other weeds may be gathered and painted for decorations.
3
成熟的荚沿茎分布着,茎终止于一簇较密的荚.
chéng shú de jiá yán jīng fēn bù zháo, , jīng zhōng zhǐ yú yī cù jiào mì de.
At maturity, pods distributed along the stem which terminates in a rather dense cluster of pods.
4
有毒菌株具有多糖荚膜它在琼脂培养基上形成光滑的菌落.
yǒu dú jūn zhū jù yǒu duō táng jiá mó tā zài qióng zhī péi yǎng jī shàng xíng chéng guāng huá de jūn luò.
The virulent strains had a polysaccharide capsule and formed smooth colonies on agar medium.
Cultural Notes for 荚
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese agriculture, understanding plant structures, including seed-pods, was crucial for effective farming practices and crop management, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese society.
Word Family of 荚
Words Containing This Character4
荚jiápod (botany)莢
豆荚pod (of legumes)豆莢
荚果seed pod莢果
皂荚Chinese honey locust (Gleditsia sinensis)皂莢
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 荚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 荚
荚 is pronounced as 'jiá', with a rising tone.
It's not commonly used in everyday conversation but is important in scientific contexts, particularly related to botany.
Related terms include 种子 (zhǒngzi, seed) and 豆荚 (dòujiá, bean pod).
