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耔 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
耔zǐto hoe the soil around one's plantsx, 9 strokes, radical 耒
耔zǐhoe up soil around plantsunknown, 9 strokes, radical 耒
zǐ(zi3)zi T3
  1. 1to hoe the soil around one's plants
  2. 2hoe up soil around plants
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March 24, 2026

耔zǐ(zi3)

The character 耔 (zǐ) refers to the action of hoeing soil around plants to aid their growth. This term is commonly used in agricultural contexts, particularly in discussions about farming practices and gardening. It implies a nurturing action that helps to aerate the soil and manage weeds.

Strokes9Radical耒
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese culture, agriculture is highly valued, and practices like hoeing are integral to farming success. The importance of careful soil management reflects the deep connection between the community and the land.

Memory tip

Imagine a gardener (who cares for plants) using a hoe to dig around the roots, making sure they get enough air and nutrients. The character 耔 resembles a tool (the hoe) being used to dig into the earth, while the sound 'zǐ' can be remembered as 'zi' for 'zen-like care' for plants.

Meanings of 耔

zǐ(zi3)
1to hoe the soil around one's plants
2hoe up soil around plants
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 耔

耔Simplified
9Strokes
耒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 耔

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AI study notes for 耔

Usage Notes

While 耔 is specific to hoeing, learners should note that it may not be commonly used in daily conversation. Its usage is more prevalent in agricultural texts or discussions. Avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like '子' (zǐ), which means 'child' or 'son.'

HSK Study Tips

Although 耔 is not part of HSK, it connects with agricultural vocabulary at HSK 3 and above, where students learn about farming and nature. Focus on understanding context and usage in agricultural discussions to reinforce vocabulary acquisition.

Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse 耔 with other characters that sound similar, such as 子 (zǐ) or 资 (zī). Remember that 耔 specifically pertains to gardening and hoeing, while 子 refers to children, and 资 relates to resources or capital.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 耔

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Etymology of 耔

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

plow

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

Origin

耔 = 耒 + 子. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 耔

IDS Structure⿰耒子
耔Full character
=
耒lei3
left
子zi3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 耔?

How to say to hoe the soil around one's plants in Chinese

“to hoe the soil around one's plants” in Chinese is耔zǐ

The character 耔 (zǐ) refers to the action of hoeing soil around plants to aid their growth. This term is commonly used in agricultural contexts, particularly in discussions about farming practices and gardening. It implies a nurturing action that helps to aerate the soil and manage weeds.

When to use 耔

While 耔 is specific to hoeing, learners should note that it may not be commonly used in daily conversation. Its usage is more prevalent in agricultural texts or discussions. Avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like '子' (zǐ), which means 'child' or 'son.'

What learners get wrong

Learners might confuse 耔 with other characters that sound similar, such as 子 (zǐ) or 资 (zī). Remember that 耔 specifically pertains to gardening and hoeing, while 子 refers to children, and 资 relates to resources or capital.

Write 耔

耔

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

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Word Family of 耔

Words containing this character1
耔zǐhoe up soil around plants

Frequently asked questions about 耔

No, 耔 is more specialized and may not be used frequently in everyday conversation.

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