Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
蛹yǒng(yong3)
The character 蛹 (yǒng) refers to the pupal stage of insects, particularly in the life cycle of butterflies and moths. It signifies a transitional phase where an insect undergoes metamorphosis, encapsulated within a protective casing. This term is often used in biological contexts or when discussing life cycles in nature.
Strokes13Radical虫Frequency#34500DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the life cycle of insects, especially butterflies, is often celebrated in art and poetry, symbolizing transformation and renewal. The concept of metamorphosis can resonate with the philosophical ideas of change in Chinese thought.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'young' butterfly (sounds like 'yǒng') that is still in its cocoon, waiting to emerge. The character 蛹 has the radical 虫, which means 'insect', and the component 用 (yòng), hinting at the function or purpose of this transitional stage.
Meanings of 蛹
yǒng(yong3)
1pupa, chrysalis
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蛹
蛹Simplified
13Strokes
虫Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蛹
Podcast: 蛹
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 蛹
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'young' butterfly (sounds like 'yǒng') that is still in its cocoon, waiting to emerge. The character 蛹 has the radical 虫, which means 'insect', and the component 用 (yòng), hinting at the function or purpose of this transitional stage.
Usage Notes
This term is mostly used in formal contexts related to biology. A common mistake is confusing 蛹 with other similar-sounding characters like 残 (cán), which means 'remnant' or 'leftover'. Remember, 蛹 specifically refers to the pupal stage.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蛹 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to HSK vocabulary related to nature and life cycles, such as 动物 (dòngwù - animal) and 生命 (shēngmìng - life). Focus on understanding the biological context to enhance retention.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the life cycle of insects, especially butterflies, is often celebrated in art and poetry, symbolizing transformation and renewal. The concept of metamorphosis can resonate with the philosophical ideas of change in Chinese thought.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell 蛹 as 'yong' without the tone, which alters its meaning. Additionally, they might confuse it with similar characters like 蟲 (chóng), which means 'bug'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蛹
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 蛹 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 蛹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 蛹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the life cycle of insects, especially butterflies, is often celebrated in art and poetry, symbolizing transformation and renewal. The concept of metamorphosis can resonate with the philosophical ideas of change in Chinese thought.
Word Family of 蛹
Words Containing This Character2
蛹yǒngpupa
蚕蛹pupa蠶蛹
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 蛹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蛹
It is pronounced as 'yǒng' with a third tone.
While commonly associated with butterflies, 蛹 can refer to the pupal stage of various insects.
Think of a young butterfly wrapped in a cocoon, waiting for its transformation.
