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楝 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
楝liànMelia japonican, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #39320, Very Hard
liàn(lian4)lian T4
  1. 1Melia japonica
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March 24, 2026

楝liàn(lian4)

The character 楝 (liàn) refers to the Melia japonica, a tree native to East Asia known for its medicinal properties and use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is commonly found in gardens and landscapes, valued for its shade and aesthetic appeal. The wood of this tree is also used in making furniture and crafts.

Strokes13Radical木Frequency#39320DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the Melia japonica is appreciated not only for its beauty but also for its medicinal uses. It is often associated with traditional practices that emphasize harmony between nature and health, reflecting the broader Chinese value of living in accordance with nature.

Memory tip

Imagine a tall tree with lush leaves, representing the character 楝. The left side, 木 (mù), signifies 'tree', while the right side, 连 (lián), can be thought of as connecting branches. Picture a tree that connects people through its beauty and benefits, helping you remember 'liàn'.

Meanings of 楝

liàn(lian4)
1Melia japonica
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 楝

楝Simplified
13Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 楝

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Podcast: 楝

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AI Study Notes for 楝

Usage Notes

When using 楝 in conversation, it is essential to specify the context, as it primarily relates to botany and traditional medicine. Common mistakes include confusing it with other tree names or using it in informal contexts where a more common tree name would suffice. Always remember to use the correct tone as 'liàn' is pronounced with a falling tone.

HSK Study Tips

Though 楝 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can enrich your understanding of plant-related terms. Students should focus on the radicals, especially 木, to recognize other tree-related vocabulary at this level. Connecting this character with similar botanical terms can enhance your vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 楝 with similar characters like 栗 (lì), which means 'chestnut'. A common mistake is saying '栗' when referring to the Melia japonica. Always double-check the character's components to avoid errors.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 楝

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Etymology of 楝

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

tree

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)柬
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

楝 = 木 + 柬. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 楝

IDS Structure⿰木柬
楝Full character
=
木Mu4
left
柬Jian3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 楝?

How to say Melia japonica in Chinese

“Melia japonica” in Chinese is楝liàn

The character 楝 (liàn) refers to the Melia japonica, a tree native to East Asia known for its medicinal properties and use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is commonly found in gardens and landscapes, valued for its shade and aesthetic appeal. The wood of this tree is also used in making furniture and crafts.

When to use 楝

When using 楝 in conversation, it is essential to specify the context, as it primarily relates to botany and traditional medicine. Common mistakes include confusing it with other tree names or using it in informal contexts where a more common tree name would suffice. Always remember to use the correct tone as 'liàn' is pronounced with a falling tone.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 楝 with similar characters like 栗 (lì), which means 'chestnut'. A common mistake is saying '栗' when referring to the Melia japonica. Always double-check the character's components to avoid errors.

Write 楝

楝

Practice writing 楝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 楝

Words containing this character2
楝liànMelia japonica
苦楝chinaberry (Melia azedarach)
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 楝

What does 苦楝 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 楝

The Melia japonica is used in traditional practices to treat various ailments, showcasing the integration of botany and health in Chinese culture.

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