dodder (Cuscuta sinensis, a parasitic vine with seeds having medicinal uses)
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
菟
tù
also called 菟絲子|菟丝子
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
菟
tú
creeper, parasitic vine; Cuscuta sinensis
n, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
菟
tú
dodder (Cuscuta sinensis, a parasitic vine with seeds having medicinal uses)
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
菟
tú
also called 菟絲子|菟丝子
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
tú(tu2)
primary
T2
1creeper, parasitic vine; Cuscuta sinensis
2dodder (Cuscuta sinensis, a parasitic vine with seeds having medicinal uses)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
菟tú(tu2)
The character 菟 (tú) refers to a type of parasitic vine known as dodder, specifically Cuscuta sinensis, which thrives by attaching to other plants and drawing nutrients from them. This plant has medicinal properties and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. It symbolizes dependency and can also indicate the concept of something that lacks its own sustenance.
Strokes11Radical艹Frequency#58720DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 菟丝子 (tú sī zǐ), the seed of the dodder vine, is valued for its medicinal properties, often used to enhance kidney health and improve fertility. Its role in traditional Chinese medicine reflects the deep connection between nature and health in Chinese philosophy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a vine (菟) wrapping around a tree, with its tendrils looking like a 'T' shape, which resembles the 't' in 'tú'. Picture it as a 'twin' that can’t survive without its host, reminding you of its parasitic nature.
Meanings of 菟
tú(tu2)
primary
1creeper, parasitic vine; Cuscuta sinensis
2dodder (Cuscuta sinensis, a parasitic vine with seeds having medicinal uses)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 菟
菟Simplified
11Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 菟
Podcast: 菟
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AI Study Notes for 菟
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a vine (菟) wrapping around a tree, with its tendrils looking like a 'T' shape, which resembles the 't' in 'tú'. Picture it as a 'twin' that can’t survive without its host, reminding you of its parasitic nature.
Usage Notes
While 菟 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it appears in specialized contexts such as botany or traditional medicine. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you are clear about its specific meaning related to parasitic plants. This term is more technical and may not be appropriate in casual discussions.
HSK Study Tips
Though 菟 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding this word can enhance your vocabulary related to plants and medicine. Focus on recognizing its usage in texts about traditional Chinese medicine or botany, as it connects with vocabulary about nature and health.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 菟丝子 (tú sī zǐ), the seed of the dodder vine, is valued for its medicinal properties, often used to enhance kidney health and improve fertility. Its role in traditional Chinese medicine reflects the deep connection between nature and health in Chinese philosophy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 菟 with similar-sounding characters, such as 土 (tǔ), which means earth. Be careful to remember that 菟 specifically refers to a type of vine, while 土 relates to soil.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 菟
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Cultural Notes for 菟
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 菟丝子 (tú sī zǐ), the seed of the dodder vine, is valued for its medicinal properties, often used to enhance kidney health and improve fertility. Its role in traditional Chinese medicine reflects the deep connection between nature and health in Chinese philosophy.
Word Family of 菟
Words Containing This Character2
菟túalso called 菟絲子|菟丝子
菟丝子dodder (Cuscuta sinensis, a parasitic vine with seeds used in medicine)菟絲子
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 菟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 菟
In traditional Chinese medicine, 菟 refers to a parasitic vine known for its medicinal benefits, particularly in treating kidney-related issues.
No, 菟 is a specialized term primarily used in botanical or medicinal contexts, not commonly found in everyday conversation.
The pronunciation is 'tú', where the tone is rising, similar to the English word 'too'.
