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March 24, 2026
芡qiàn(qian4)
The character 芡 (qiàn) refers to the gorgon plant, specifically its seeds, commonly known as fox nuts or makhana. These seeds are often used in Chinese cuisine for their nutritional benefits and are popular in desserts and snacks.
Strokes7Radical艹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, fox nuts are often associated with health benefits and are used in traditional medicine, reflecting the importance of food in wellness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fox (the 'fox' in fox nut) in a serene pond where gorgon plants grow. The shape of the character 芡 resembles a plant with leaves at the top, symbolizing its connection to nature and the water where it grows.
Meanings of 芡
qiàn(qian4)
1Gorgon plant, fox nut
2fox nut (Gorgon euryale or Euryale ferox)
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About 芡
芡Simplified
7Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 芡
Podcast: 芡
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AI Study Notes for 芡
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fox (the 'fox' in fox nut) in a serene pond where gorgon plants grow. The shape of the character 芡 resembles a plant with leaves at the top, symbolizing its connection to nature and the water where it grows.
Usage Notes
This term is primarily used in culinary contexts, so it is more common in informal settings or when discussing food. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words that refer to different plants or foods.
HSK Study Tips
Since 芡 is not included in the official HSK levels, it may be useful for students interested in food vocabulary or cultural dishes. Focus on learning related food terms and their uses in sentences.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, fox nuts are often associated with health benefits and are used in traditional medicine, reflecting the importance of food in wellness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 芡 with similar characters like 菁 (qīng, meaning 'young leaves') or 芽 (yá, meaning 'sprout'). Remember, 芡 specifically refers to the gorgon plant and its seeds.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 芡
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Cultural Notes for 芡
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, fox nuts are often associated with health benefits and are used in traditional medicine, reflecting the importance of food in wellness.
Word Family of 芡
Words Containing This Character4
芡qiànGorgon plant
勾芡to thicken with cornstarch
芡粉cornstarch
粉芡cooking starch
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 芡 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 芡
芡 is commonly used in soups, desserts, and snacks, often praised for its nutritional value.
Yes, it is considered beneficial for health and is often included in herbal remedies.
Fox nuts can be roasted or cooked in soups; they become crunchy when roasted and soft when boiled.
