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March 24, 2026
樱(櫻)yīng(ying1)
樱 (yīng) refers to the cherry tree and its blossoms, which are celebrated for their beauty, particularly in spring. This character is commonly used in expressions related to nature and aesthetics, especially in the context of cherry blossom festivals in China and Japan, symbolizing the transient nature of life.
Strokes15Radical木Frequency#20484DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The cherry blossom holds significant cultural importance in China, symbolizing beauty, love, and the fleeting nature of life. The annual cherry blossom festivals attract many visitors and are a time of celebration and reflection.
Memory Tip
Picture a cherry tree with pink blossoms. The character 樱 has the radical 木 (tree) on the left, reminding you it's a type of tree. Think of 'yīng' sounding like 'young' - young trees produce beautiful flowers in spring.
Meanings of 樱
yīng(ying1)
1cherry, cherry blossom
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 樱
樱Simplified
櫻Traditional
15Strokes
木Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 樱
Podcast: 樱
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AI Study Notes for 樱
Quick Contrast
樱花 (yīnghuā) - specifically refers to cherry blossoms, while 樱 (yīng) can refer to the cherry tree itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Picture a cherry tree with pink blossoms. The character 樱 has the radical 木 (tree) on the left, reminding you it's a type of tree. Think of 'yīng' sounding like 'young' - young trees produce beautiful flowers in spring.
Usage Notes
樱 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing cherry blossoms or related topics. Common collocations include 樱花 (yīnghuā) meaning 'cherry blossom' and 樱桃 (yīngtáo) meaning 'cherry fruit.' Be careful with the tone, as mispronouncing 'yīng' can change the word entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 樱 is not classified under a specific HSK level, it connects well with other nature-related vocabulary. Students should focus on recognizing the tree radical (木) and how it appears in other characters related to nature.
Cultural Note
The cherry blossom holds significant cultural importance in China, symbolizing beauty, love, and the fleeting nature of life. The annual cherry blossom festivals attract many visitors and are a time of celebration and reflection.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 樱 (yīng) with similar sounding words, such as 瀛 (yíng), which means 'ocean.' Remember that 樱 specifically refers to cherry trees and blossoms. Double-check the tone to avoid confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 樱
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Grammar Patterns of 樱
樱 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
今年华盛顿的____花开得很早。
The cherry blossom came out early in Washington this year.
Example Sentences for 樱 (10)
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1
今年华盛顿的樱花开得很早。
jīn nián huá shèng dùn de yīng huā kāi dé hěn zǎo。
The cherry blossom came out early in Washington this year.
The cherry blossom holds significant cultural importance in China, symbolizing beauty, love, and the fleeting nature of life. The annual cherry blossom festivals attract many visitors and are a time of celebration and reflection.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
Unlike in many Western cultures where cherry trees are appreciated mainly for their fruit, in China and Japan, the blossoms themselves are a major cultural symbol, celebrated in festivals and art.
Word Family of 樱
Words Containing This Character4
樱桃cherry櫻桃
樱yīngcherry櫻
樱花also known as sakura (Japanese) or Yoshino cherry櫻花
樱井Sakurai (Japanese surname and place name)櫻井
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 樱桃 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 樱
樱花 refers to cherry blossoms, which are celebrated for their beauty, while 樱桃 refers to the actual cherries that grow on these trees.
樱 is pronounced 'yīng' with a high level tone, which is crucial for correct usage.
Yes, there are several varieties of cherry trees in China, each with its own unique characteristics and blooming times.
