unknown, 17 strokes, radical 艹, rank #46755, Very Hard
藓
xiǎn
used erroneously for 蘇|苏
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 艹, rank #46755, Very Hard
xiǎn(xian3) T3
1lichen, moss
2moss on damp walls
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March 24, 2026
藓(蘚)xiǎn(xian3)
藓 (xiǎn) refers to moss or lichen, which are small, non-flowering plants that typically grow in damp, shady environments. This term is often used in contexts related to nature, gardening, or environmental science, describing the green, fibrous growth found on rocks and walls.
Strokes17Radical艹Frequency#46755DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese gardens, moss is often appreciated for its aesthetic value, contributing to the serene and natural beauty of the landscape. The presence of moss can symbolize tranquility and harmony with nature.
Memory Tip
Think of 藓 (xiǎn) as a 'sponge' for water, where the character combines the grass radical '艹' (suggesting growth) with '冉' (which can remind you of the slow and steady growth of moss). Imagine a sponge absorbing water in a damp shady forest.
Meanings of 藓
xiǎn(xian3)
1lichen, moss
2moss on damp walls
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 藓
藓Simplified
蘚Traditional
17Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 藓
Podcast: 藓
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AI Study Notes for 藓
Quick Contrast
苔 (tái) - use 藓 (xiǎn) for moss specifically, while 苔 (tái) can refer to both moss and certain types of algae.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 藓 (xiǎn) as a 'sponge' for water, where the character combines the grass radical '艹' (suggesting growth) with '冉' (which can remind you of the slow and steady growth of moss). Imagine a sponge absorbing water in a damp shady forest.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 藓 with 蘇 (sū), which has a very different meaning. 藓 is a more formal or scientific term, so it may not be used in everyday conversation. Common collocations include '墙上的藓' (moss on the wall) or '藓类植物' (moss plants).
HSK Study Tips
While 藓 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to other nature-related terms, especially those involving plants or growth. Focus on the radicals and components to better understand related characters.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese gardens, moss is often appreciated for its aesthetic value, contributing to the serene and natural beauty of the landscape. The presence of moss can symbolize tranquility and harmony with nature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 藓 with similar-sounding characters like 蘇 (sū). For example, saying '我看到墙上的蘇' instead of '我看到墙上的藓' is incorrect; ensure you use 藓 for moss-related contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 藓
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Grammar Patterns of 藓
藓 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). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In traditional Chinese gardens, moss is often appreciated for its aesthetic value, contributing to the serene and natural beauty of the landscape. The presence of moss can symbolize tranquility and harmony with nature.
Word Family of 藓
Words Containing This Character2
苔藓moss苔蘚
藓xiǎnmoss蘚
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 苔藓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 藓
It is pronounced as 'xiǎn' with a third tone.
Yes, characters like 苔 (tái) also refer to moss but may have slightly different connotations.
It is more commonly used in formal or scientific contexts rather than daily conversation.
