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March 24, 2026
莲(蓮)lián(lian2)
The character 莲 (lián) refers to the lotus flower, which is often associated with purity and beauty in Chinese culture. It is commonly used in literature and art to symbolize spiritual enlightenment and rebirth, as it blooms beautifully from muddy waters.
Strokes10Radical艹Frequency#7901DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the lotus is revered as a symbol of purity and is often featured in festivals and art, such as in the famous saying '出污泥而不染' (chū wū ní ér bù rǎn), which means emerging untainted from the mud.
Memory Tip
Imagine a beautiful lotus flower (莲) emerging from murky water, representing purity. The character resembles a flower with a stem, and you can remember 'lián' by thinking of a 'liquid' environment where the lotus thrives.
Meanings of 莲
lián(lian2)
1lotus, water lily; paradise
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 莲
莲Simplified
蓮Traditional
10Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 莲
Podcast: 莲
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AI Study Notes for 莲
Quick Contrast
莲 (lián) vs 菊 (jú): Use 莲 when referring to the lotus flower, often symbolizing purity, while 菊 refers to the chrysanthemum, which has different cultural associations.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a beautiful lotus flower (莲) emerging from murky water, representing purity. The character resembles a flower with a stem, and you can remember 'lián' by thinking of a 'liquid' environment where the lotus thrives.
Usage Notes
莲 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in poetry and traditional art. Be careful with the tone; it is pronounced with a rising tone (lián) which is different from the flat tone of 'lian' meaning 'to connect'. Common collocations include '莲花' (liánhuā) for lotus flower.
HSK Study Tips
While 莲 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be linked to other nature-related terms in HSK levels. Students should focus on recognizing its cultural significance and its use in idioms or expressions related to beauty and purity.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the lotus is revered as a symbol of purity and is often featured in festivals and art, such as in the famous saying '出污泥而不染' (chū wū ní ér bù rǎn), which means emerging untainted from the mud.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 莲 (lián) with 连 (lián), which means 'to connect'. For example, saying '我喜欢连花' (wǒ xǐhuān liánhuā) instead of '我喜欢莲花' (wǒ xǐhuān liánhuā) is incorrect as it changes the meaning from 'lotus flower' to 'connecting flower'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 莲
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Grammar Patterns of 莲
莲 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 4
Complete the Sentence
玛丽____最后一次公开亮相是在麦迪逊广场花园。
Marilyn made her last public appearance at Madison Square Garden.
You appear in my life, season, blooming into and holy lotus flower.
9
我对玛丽莲·梦露那种美一点儿都不动心。
wǒ duì mǎ lì lián· · mèng lòu nà zhǒng měi yī diǎn ér dū bù dòng。
I'm not in the least bit touched by the Marilyn Monroe kind of beauty.
10
“你从来没看过玛丽莲·梦露演的电影？”——“是的，她拍电影时我还不记事呢。”
“ “ nǐ cóng lái méi kàn guò mǎ lì· lián · mèng lòu yǎn de？”——“ diàn yǐng， ？”——“ shì de ， tā pāi diàn yǐng shí wǒ huán。”
"You've never seen the Marilyn Monroe film?" — "No, I think it was a bit before my time."
Cultural Notes for 莲
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the lotus is revered as a symbol of purity and is often featured in festivals and art, such as in the famous saying '出污泥而不染' (chū wū ní ér bù rǎn), which means emerging untainted from the mud.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the lotus often symbolizes rebirth and beauty as well, but the specific connection to purity through muddy waters is less emphasized.
Word Family of 莲
Words Containing This Character10
莲liánlotus蓮
莲花water-lily蓮花
榴莲durian fruit榴蓮
莲子liánzǐlotus seed蓮子
莲藕lotus root蓮藕
雪莲snow lotus herb雪蓮
白莲white lotus (flower)白蓮
潘金莲Pan Jinlian (name lit. Golden Lotus), heroine of Ming dynasty vernacular novel Jinpingmei or the Golden Lotus 金瓶梅潘金蓮
林忆莲Sandy Lam (1966-), Hong Kong pop singer林憶蓮
睡莲water lily睡蓮
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 莲 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 莲
The lotus flower symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, often associated with spiritual growth.
It is pronounced 'lián' with a rising tone. Make sure to avoid the flat tone.
Yes, while it is more common in poetic contexts, it can also be used in discussions about nature or beauty.
