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桐 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
桐
tóng
Chinese wood-oil tree, Vernicia fordii
ns, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #22574, Very Hard
桐
tóng
tree name (variously Paulownia, Firmiana or Aleurites)
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #22574, Very Hard
tóng(tong2)tong T2
1Chinese wood-oil tree, Vernicia fordii
2tree name (variously Paulownia, Firmiana or Aleurites)
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March 24, 2026
桐tóng(tong2)
The character 桐 (tóng) refers to a type of tree known as the Chinese wood-oil tree, which is significant for its timber and oil. It is commonly associated with traditional Chinese crafts, such as making musical instruments and furniture, due to its lightweight and durable properties.
Strokes10Radical木Frequency#22574DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
桐 trees are often linked to traditional Chinese music, as they are used to make high-quality musical instruments like pianos and guzhengs. They are also seen as symbols of prosperity and harmony.
Memory tip
Imagine a tall tree with broad leaves (木) and heavy branches (桐) producing a special oil. The character's radical 木 (tree) helps you remember its meaning relates to a tree, and the sound 'tóng' can remind you of the sound of wind rustling through its leaves.
Meanings of 桐
tóng(tong2)
1Chinese wood-oil tree, Vernicia fordii
2tree name (variously Paulownia, Firmiana or Aleurites)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 桐
桐Simplified
10Strokes
木Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 桐
Podcast: 桐
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AI study notes for 桐
Usage Notes
桐 is primarily used in written contexts, often in discussions about botany, culture, or traditional crafts. A common mistake is confusing it with other tree names; be mindful of its specific usage related to the wood-oil tree. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
Although 桐 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, understanding this word can enhance your knowledge of trees and their cultural significance in China. Focus on the pronunciation and the characters related to nature as you progress through your studies.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 桐 by neglecting the rising tone, saying 'tong' instead of 'tóng'. Additionally, some confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 铜 (copper), which can change the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 桐
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桐 = 木 + 同. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 桐
IDS Structure⿰木同
桐Full character
=
木Mu4
left
同tong2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 桐?
How to say Chinese wood-oil tree, Vernicia fordii in Chinese
“Chinese wood-oil tree, Vernicia fordii” in Chinese is桐tóng
The character 桐 (tóng) refers to a type of tree known as the Chinese wood-oil tree, which is significant for its timber and oil. It is commonly associated with traditional Chinese crafts, such as making musical instruments and furniture, due to its lightweight and durable properties.
When to use 桐
桐 is primarily used in written contexts, often in discussions about botany, culture, or traditional crafts. A common mistake is confusing it with other tree names; be mindful of its specific usage related to the wood-oil tree. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 桐 by neglecting the rising tone, saying 'tong' instead of 'tóng'. Additionally, some confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 铜 (copper), which can change the intended meaning.
Write 桐
桐
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Word Family of 桐
Words containing this character18
桐tóngtree name (variously Paulownia, Firmiana or Aleurites)
梧桐Chinese parasol tree
桐油tung oil, from the Japanese wood-oil tree Aleurites cordata, used in making lacquer
桐庐Tonglu county in Hangzhou 杭州[Hángzhōu], Zhejiang桐廬
桐乡Tongxiang county level city in Jiaxing 嘉興|嘉兴[Jiāxīng], Zhejiang桐鄉
桐庐县Tonglu county in Hangzhou 杭州[Hángzhōu], Zhejiang桐廬縣
丘成桐Shing-Tung Yau (1949-), Chinese-American mathematician, Fields medalist in 1982
桐梓Taongzi county in Zun'yi 遵義|遵义[Zūnyì], Guizhou
油桐Chinese wood-oil tree (Vernicia fordii)
桐城Tongcheng county level city in Anqing 安慶|安庆[Anqìng], Anhui
桐梓县Taongzi county in Zun'yi 遵義|遵义[Zūnyì], Guizhou桐梓縣
泡桐Paulownia (genus)
桐柏Tongbai county in Nanyang 南陽|南阳[Nányáng], Henan
桐乡市Tongxiang county level city in Jiaxing 嘉興|嘉兴[Jiāxīng], Zhejiang桐鄉市
桐柏山Tongbai mountain range, the watershed between Huai 淮河 and Han 漢江|汉江 rivers
珙桐dove tree (Davidia involucrata)
桐柏县Tongbai county in Nanyang 南陽|南阳[Nányáng], Henan桐柏縣
桐城市Tongcheng county level city in Anqing 安慶|安庆[Anqìng], Anhui
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 桐
What does 梧桐 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 桐
桐 trees are valued for their wood, which is used in crafting musical instruments and furniture, symbolizing prosperity.
桐 is pronounced as 'tóng', with a rising tone, similar to how one might ask a question.
Primarily, 桐 refers to the Chinese wood-oil tree, but it can also appear in poetic or literary contexts.
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