Meanings of 蓖
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About 蓖
Podcast: 蓖
Podcast: 蓖
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AI Study Notes for 蓖
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.
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 蓖
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Etymology of 蓖
plant
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 蓖
- 1The meaning half艹 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half比 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayplant
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 蓖? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 蓖
Identify the Components
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How to say the castor-oil plant; Ricinus commumis in Chinese
“the castor-oil plant; Ricinus commumis” in Chinese is蓖
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.
When to use 蓖
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 蓖
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Practice writing 蓖 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
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)
Word Family of 蓖
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.
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