unknown, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #60438, Very Hard
椿
chūn
tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
unknown, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #60438, Very Hard
椿
chūn
(literary metaphor) father
unknown, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #60438, Very Hard
chūn(chun1) T1
1Chinese toon tree; father (poetic)
2Chinese toon (Toona sinensis)
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March 24, 2026
椿chūn(chun1)
椿 (chūn) refers to the Chinese toon tree, known for its edible young leaves. It can also poetically denote 'father,' representing a traditional figure or protector in literature. This character is often used in literary contexts, where it symbolizes nature and familial bonds.
Strokes13Radical木Frequency#60438DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the Chinese toon tree is appreciated for its culinary uses, particularly in spring dishes, reflecting the importance of seasonal ingredients in Chinese cuisine. The poetic use of 椿 for 'father' evokes respect and reverence for paternal figures.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand tree (椿) with strong roots representing a father figure. The top of the tree (木) reaches towards the sky, symbolizing growth and nurturing. The sound 'chūn' can be remembered as 'tune'—think of a father singing a tune under this tree, connecting family and nature.
Meanings of 椿
chūn(chun1)
1Chinese toon tree; father (poetic)
2Chinese toon (Toona sinensis)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 椿
椿Simplified
13Strokes
木Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 椿
Podcast: 椿
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AI Study Notes for 椿
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand tree (椿) with strong roots representing a father figure. The top of the tree (木) reaches towards the sky, symbolizing growth and nurturing. The sound 'chūn' can be remembered as 'tune'—think of a father singing a tune under this tree, connecting family and nature.
Usage Notes
椿 is primarily used in literary contexts, so it may come off as overly formal or poetic in everyday conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with other tree-related characters like 树 (shù, tree) or 木 (mù, wood). Its usage as 'father' is less common and should be reserved for poetic or formal situations.
HSK Study Tips
While 椿 is not included in the HSK, understanding it enriches vocabulary related to nature and familial terms. Students at this level should focus on the character's components, especially the tree radical (木), to recognize similar tree-related characters.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the Chinese toon tree is appreciated for its culinary uses, particularly in spring dishes, reflecting the importance of seasonal ingredients in Chinese cuisine. The poetic use of 椿 for 'father' evokes respect and reverence for paternal figures.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 椿 with other tree characters and might use it incorrectly in casual conversation. For example, saying '我喜欢椿' (I like toon) instead of the more appropriate '我喜欢这棵树' (I like this tree) can lead to misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 椿
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Cultural Notes for 椿
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the Chinese toon tree is appreciated for its culinary uses, particularly in spring dishes, reflecting the importance of seasonal ingredients in Chinese cuisine. The poetic use of 椿 for 'father' evokes respect and reverence for paternal figures.
Word Family of 椿
Words Containing This Character3
香椿Chinese toon (Toona sinensis), deciduous tree whose young leaves are used as a vegetable
椿chūnChinese toon (Toona sinensis)
椿象stink bug
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 香椿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 椿
It literally means 'Chinese toon tree' but can also poetically refer to 'father'.
No, it is mostly found in literary texts or poetic contexts.
You can think of 'tune,' as in a father singing a tune under a tree.
