unknown, 10 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #42385, Very Hard
sǔn(sun3) T3
1bamboo shoots
2bamboo shoot
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March 24, 2026
笋(筍)sǔn(sun3)
The character 笋 (sǔn) refers to bamboo shoots, which are the young edible sprouts of bamboo plants. Commonly used in Chinese cuisine, they are valued for their crunchy texture and are often added to stir-fries and soups. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any tender shoot of a plant.
Strokes10Radical⺮Frequency#42385DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Bamboo shoots are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially in spring, symbolizing growth and renewal. They are often featured in traditional dishes served during festivals.
Memory Tip
Think of 笋 as a 'bamboo shoot' sprouting up. The left part, '竹' (zhú), represents bamboo, and the right part '孫' (sūn) can remind you of something growing or coming from a lineage, like how bamboo shoots grow from the ground. Visualize a bamboo shoot breaking through the soil, eager to grow tall.
Meanings of 笋
sǔn(sun3)
1bamboo shoots
2bamboo shoot
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 笋
笋Simplified
筍Traditional
10Strokes
⺮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 笋
Podcast: 笋
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AI Study Notes for 笋
Quick Contrast
笋 (bamboo shoots) vs 芽 (buds) — use 笋 for edible bamboo shoots specifically, while 芽 refers to the general concept of plant buds.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 笋 as a 'bamboo shoot' sprouting up. The left part, '竹' (zhú), represents bamboo, and the right part '孫' (sūn) can remind you of something growing or coming from a lineage, like how bamboo shoots grow from the ground. Visualize a bamboo shoot breaking through the soil, eager to grow tall.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 笋 with other similar-sounding words, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings. It's mainly used in informal contexts related to food. Common collocations include 笋炒 (sǔn chǎo, stir-fried bamboo shoots) and 笋汤 (sǔn tāng, bamboo shoot soup).
HSK Study Tips
While 笋 is not in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well to other food-related words. Students should focus on its pronunciation and practice using it in the context of discussing dishes or recipes, as this will enhance their conversational skills.
Cultural Note
Bamboo shoots are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially in spring, symbolizing growth and renewal. They are often featured in traditional dishes served during festivals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 笋 as 'sùn' instead of 'sǔn'. Additionally, some might confuse it with the character for '孙' (sūn), which means 'grandson'. Always remember that 笋 specifically refers to bamboo shoots.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 笋
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Grammar Patterns of 笋
笋 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). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
竹____是熊猫的主要食物，这是人所共知的。
It is well known that bamboo shoots are a panda's staple diet.
Example Sentences for 笋 (3)
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1
竹笋是熊猫的主要食物，这是人所共知的。
zhú sǔn shì xióng māo de zhǔ yào shí wù， ， zhè shì rén suǒ gòng zhī。
It is well known that bamboo shoots are a panda's staple diet.
Trim any tough or woody stalks from the asparagus.
3
厨师安东用龙虾和芦笋搭配，制作出了一道口感很好的菜肴。
chú shī ān dōng yòng lóng xiā hé lú sǔn dā pèi， ， zhì zuò chū le yī dào kǒu gǎn hěn hǎo de cài。
Anton the chef concocts a sensual coupling of lobster and asparagus.
Cultural Notes for 笋
🏮Cultural insight
Bamboo shoots are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially in spring, symbolizing growth and renewal. They are often featured in traditional dishes served during festivals.
Word Family of 笋
Words Containing This Character8
芦笋asparagus蘆筍
笋sǔnbamboo shoot筍
竹笋bamboo shoot竹筍
雨后春笋many new things emerge in rapid succession雨後春筍
莴笋celtuce萵筍
冬笋winter bamboo shoots (smaller and tenderer as a result of being dug out before they come out of the soil)冬筍
石笋stalagmite石筍
春笋springtime bamboo shoots春筍
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 芦笋 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 笋
The correct pronunciation is 'sǔn' with a rising tone. Practice saying it with emphasis on the 'u' sound.
Bamboo shoots are commonly used in stir-fries, soups, and cold salads in Chinese cuisine.
Yes, canned bamboo shoots can be used, but fresh ones have a better texture and flavor.
