lilac daphne (Daphne genkwa), used in Chinese herbal medicine
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 艹, Very Hard
芫
yán
a poisonous plant; Daphne genkwa
n, 7 strokes, radical 艹, Very Hard
芫
yán
lilac daphne (Daphne genkwa), used in Chinese herbal medicine
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 艹, Very Hard
yán(yan2)
primary
T2
1a poisonous plant; Daphne genkwa
2lilac daphne (Daphne genkwa), used in Chinese herbal medicine
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
芫yán(yan2)
The character 芫 (yán) refers to a specific type of poisonous plant known as Daphne genkwa or lilac daphne. This plant is noted for its medicinal properties in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, although its toxic nature requires caution in its use.
Strokes7Radical艹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the use of plants like 芫 reflects a deep understanding of nature and its potential benefits and dangers, showcasing the balance between healing and toxicity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a plant with purple flowers (like lilacs) that you should only admire from a distance because it’s poisonous. The character 芫 visually resembles a plant's leaves, and the 'yán' sound can remind you of 'yarn' which you should not use to play with this dangerous plant.
Meanings of 芫
yán(yan2)
primary
1a poisonous plant; Daphne genkwa
2lilac daphne (Daphne genkwa), used in Chinese herbal medicine
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 芫
芫Simplified
7Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 芫
Podcast: 芫
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AI Study Notes for 芫
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a plant with purple flowers (like lilacs) that you should only admire from a distance because it’s poisonous. The character 芫 visually resembles a plant's leaves, and the 'yán' sound can remind you of 'yarn' which you should not use to play with this dangerous plant.
Usage Notes
This term is quite specialized and primarily used in herbal medicine contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words. It is more formal and scientific, so avoid using it in casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
Although 芫 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects well to other plant-related vocabulary. Students should pay attention to botanical terms and their uses to enhance their understanding of Chinese herbal medicine.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the use of plants like 芫 reflects a deep understanding of nature and its potential benefits and dangers, showcasing the balance between healing and toxicity.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 芫 with similar plant names or mispronounce it, leading to misunderstandings. For instance, saying 'yan' instead of 'yán' can change the meaning, as tones are crucial in Mandarin.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 芫
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Cultural Notes for 芫
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the use of plants like 芫 reflects a deep understanding of nature and its potential benefits and dangers, showcasing the balance between healing and toxicity.
Word Family of 芫
Words Containing This Character3
芫荽coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
芫yánlilac daphne (Daphne genkwa), used in Chinese herbal medicine
芫花lilac daphne
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 芫荽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 芫
Due to its poisonous nature, 芫 must be used with extreme caution and ideally under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.
It is often utilized in specific formulations targeting certain ailments, but its exact applications vary and should be approached carefully.
