unknown, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #97276, Very Hard
菅
jiān
Themeda forsbali
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #97276, Very Hard
jiān(jian1) T1
1coarse grass; Themedia forskali
2(grass)
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March 24, 2026
菅jiān(jian1)
The character 菅 (jiān) refers to a type of coarse grass, particularly associated with the genus Themeda, which is commonly found in temperate regions. It can also relate to the use of this grass in various cultural contexts, such as traditional crafts or landscaping. In botanical discussions, it denotes specific species of grass that have practical uses in agriculture and ecology.
Strokes11Radical艹Frequency#97276DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In some regions of China, 菅 (jiān) is used in traditional weaving practices, where the grass is harvested to create mats and baskets. This reflects the deep connection between local flora and traditional crafts in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall, coarse grass swaying in the wind, representing 菅 (jiān). The character has the radical for 'grass' (艹) at the top, which hints at its meaning. You can think of 'jiān' as 'grass that stands tall' - visualize this grass as a sturdy plant that grows in fields.
Meanings of 菅
jiān(jian1)
1coarse grass; Themedia forskali
2(grass)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 菅
菅Simplified
11Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 菅
Podcast: 菅
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AI Study Notes for 菅
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tall, coarse grass swaying in the wind, representing 菅 (jiān). The character has the radical for 'grass' (艹) at the top, which hints at its meaning. You can think of 'jiān' as 'grass that stands tall' - visualize this grass as a sturdy plant that grows in fields.
Usage Notes
When using 菅 (jiān), be mindful that it is usually employed in more technical or academic contexts related to botany. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding characters; ensure you recognize its specific meaning. This term is more formal and might not appear in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Though 菅 (jiān) is not included in HSK lists, it relates to other vocabulary about plants and nature, which are useful for learners at higher levels. Focus on learning related terms in botany or ecology to enhance your vocabulary in this area.
Cultural Note
In some regions of China, 菅 (jiān) is used in traditional weaving practices, where the grass is harvested to create mats and baskets. This reflects the deep connection between local flora and traditional crafts in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 菅 (jiān) with similar characters related to different types of grass. For example, mixing it up with 草 (cǎo) which simply means 'grass' is common; remember that 菅 refers specifically to coarse grass.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 菅
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Cultural Notes for 菅
🏮Cultural insight
In some regions of China, 菅 (jiān) is used in traditional weaving practices, where the grass is harvested to create mats and baskets. This reflects the deep connection between local flora and traditional crafts in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 菅
Words Containing This Character3
草菅人命human life as grass (idiom); to kill people like scything grass
菅jiān(grass)
菅原Sugawara (Japanese surname)
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 草菅人命 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 菅
菅 primarily refers to a type of coarse grass used in various ecological and agricultural contexts.
No, 菅 is more often found in technical or academic discussions rather than everyday speech.
