Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
筍sǔn(sun3)
The character 筍 (sǔn) refers specifically to bamboo shoots, which are young shoots of bamboo plants that are harvested for culinary use. They are a popular ingredient in various Asian dishes, often valued for their crunchy texture and fresh flavor. In Chinese cuisine, bamboo shoots can be found in stir-fries, soups, and pickled dishes.
Strokes12Radical⺮Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, bamboo symbolizes resilience and strength, and bamboo shoots are celebrated for their seasonal availability, often marking the arrival of spring in culinary traditions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a young bamboo shoot poking its head out of the ground, resembling a spear. The character 筍 is made up of the radical for bamboo (竹), emphasizing its connection to this plant. Think of ‘sǔn’ as ‘sun’ shining on the fresh shoots, making them grow.
Meanings of 筍
sǔn(sun3)
1bamboo shoots
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 筍
筍Simplified
12Strokes
⺮Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 筍
Podcast: 筍
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 筍
Quick Contrast
笋 (sǔn) refers specifically to bamboo shoots, while 芦笋 (lú sǔn) refers to asparagus; use 筍 when discussing bamboo shoots specifically.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a young bamboo shoot poking its head out of the ground, resembling a spear. The character 筍 is made up of the radical for bamboo (竹), emphasizing its connection to this plant. Think of ‘sǔn’ as ‘sun’ shining on the fresh shoots, making them grow.
Usage Notes
Bamboo shoots are often used in both formal dining and everyday cooking in China, so the term is versatile. A common mistake is to confuse 筍 with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to the tones. It’s usually paired with verbs like 吃 (chī, to eat) or 做 (zuò, to make) in cooking contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 筍 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enrich your culinary vocabulary, which is essential at all levels. Focus on learning related food terms to enhance your ability to discuss Chinese cuisine.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, bamboo symbolizes resilience and strength, and bamboo shoots are celebrated for their seasonal availability, often marking the arrival of spring in culinary traditions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often write 筍 incorrectly by omitting the bamboo radical or confusing it with the character for ‘root’ (根, gēn). Ensure you include the bamboo component, as it is essential for the correct meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 筍
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 筍 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 筍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 筍
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, bamboo symbolizes resilience and strength, and bamboo shoots are celebrated for their seasonal availability, often marking the arrival of spring in culinary traditions.
Word Family of 筍
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 筍
Bamboo shoots should be peeled and boiled to remove any bitterness before being sliced and used in dishes.
It is not recommended to eat raw bamboo shoots as they can contain toxins that are only neutralized through cooking.
