Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
蓖bì(bi4)
The character 蓖 (bì) refers to the castor-oil plant, scientifically known as Ricinus communis. This plant is notable for its seeds, which are used to produce castor oil, a common ingredient in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is also recognized for its medicinal properties.
Strokes13Radical艹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the castor-oil plant has historical significance for its use in traditional medicine and cooking. Castor oil is sometimes used as a remedy in folk practices, showcasing the integration of natural plants in health and wellness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, leafy plant with spiky seed pods. The character 蓖 has a radical (艹) that suggests it is a plant, and the 'bì' sound can be remembered by thinking of 'bitter seeds' from this spiky plant, which are the seeds of the castor-oil plant.
Meanings of 蓖
bì(bi4)
1the castor-oil plant; Ricinus commumis
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蓖
蓖Simplified
13Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蓖
Podcast: 蓖
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 蓖
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large, leafy plant with spiky seed pods. The character 蓖 has a radical (艹) that suggests it is a plant, and the 'bì' sound can be remembered by thinking of 'bitter seeds' from this spiky plant, which are the seeds of the castor-oil plant.
Usage Notes
While 蓖 primarily refers to the castor-oil plant, it's important to use it in botanical or agricultural contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it's more technical. Be careful with the tone; 'bì' has a falling tone, which distinguishes it from other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蓖 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, students should connect it with other plant-related vocabulary. Focus on recognizing the plant radical (艹) in other characters, as it often indicates botanical terms.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the castor-oil plant has historical significance for its use in traditional medicine and cooking. Castor oil is sometimes used as a remedy in folk practices, showcasing the integration of natural plants in health and wellness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蓖 with similar plant names. For instance, saying '蓖油' (bì yóu) incorrectly to mean 'oil from plants' instead of the specific 'castor oil' (蓖麻油, bì má yóu) can lead to misunderstandings. Always clarify the context when using this term.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蓖
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 蓖 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 蓖 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 蓖
蓖 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 3
Complete the Sentence
他们快把____麻毒素——一种致命的植物毒素——研发为武器了。
They were close to weaponizing ricin—a lethal plant toxin.
Example Sentences for 蓖 (3)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们快把蓖麻毒素——一种致命的植物毒素——研发为武器了。
tā mén kuài bǎ bì má dú sù—— —— yī zhǒng zhì mìng de zhí wù dú—— sù —— yán fā wéi wǔ。
They were close to weaponizing ricin—a lethal plant toxin.
2
他往杯子里装满了煤油 、 蓖麻油和醋.
tā wǎng bēi zǐ lǐ zhuāng mǎn le méi yóu、 、 bì má yóu hé.
He filled a cup with kerosene, castor oil and vinegar.
3
本文研究了蓖麻渣和蓖麻籽中蓖麻碱的提取方法.
běn wén yán jiū le bì má zhā hé bì má zǐ zhōng bì má jiǎn de tí qǔ fāng fǎ.
This paper studies the method of extraction of ricinine in castor pomace.
Cultural Notes for 蓖
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the castor-oil plant has historical significance for its use in traditional medicine and cooking. Castor oil is sometimes used as a remedy in folk practices, showcasing the integration of natural plants in health and wellness.
Word Family of 蓖
Words Containing This Character2
蓖麻castor-oil plant
蓖bìthe castor-oil plant
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 蓖麻 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蓖
The primary use is for extracting castor oil, which is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and as a natural remedy.
No, 蓖 is more specialized and is used mostly in agricultural or botanical discussions.
