unknown, 7 strokes, radical 艹, rank #34089, Very Hard
qín(qin2) T2
1celery
2Chinese celery
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
芹qín(qin2)
The character 芹 (qín) refers specifically to celery, particularly the type known as Chinese celery, which is thinner and has a stronger flavor than Western celery. It is commonly used in stir-fries and salads in Chinese cuisine, highlighting its versatility and popularity as a vegetable ingredient.
Strokes7Radical艹Frequency#34089DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, celery is not only valued for its flavor but also for its health benefits, such as being low in calories and high in vitamins. It often symbolizes health and vitality in traditional dishes.
Memory Tip
Imagine a slender green stalk (the shape of celery) growing in a field. The character 芹 features the radical '艹' which represents plants, and the remaining components suggest its edible nature. To remember 'qín', think of a chef's 'keen' interest in using this flavorful vegetable.
Meanings of 芹
qín(qin2)
1celery
2Chinese celery
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 芹
芹Simplified
7Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 芹
Podcast: 芹
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 芹
Quick Contrast
芹 (qín) vs 莴苣 (wōjù) — choose 芹 for celery specifically, while 莴苣 refers to lettuce.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a slender green stalk (the shape of celery) growing in a field. The character 芹 features the radical '艹' which represents plants, and the remaining components suggest its edible nature. To remember 'qín', think of a chef's 'keen' interest in using this flavorful vegetable.
Usage Notes
Learners should be aware that 芹 is typically used in culinary contexts, particularly when discussing recipes or ingredients. A common mistake is confusing it with other green vegetables; ensure context indicates celery. This word is generally used in informal settings.
HSK Study Tips
While 芹 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other food-related words at similar levels. Students should focus on vocabulary related to cooking and ingredients to build practical language skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, celery is not only valued for its flavor but also for its health benefits, such as being low in calories and high in vitamins. It often symbolizes health and vitality in traditional dishes.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error is mispronouncing the word as 'qīn' instead of 'qín'. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 芹 with similar vegetables like 韭 (jiǔ, garlic chives), which have different culinary uses.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 芹
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 芹 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 芹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 芹
芹 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 4
Complete the Sentence
欧____可能是用得最多的一种药草。
Parsley is probably the most commonly used of all herbs.
Example Sentences for 芹 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
欧芹可能是用得最多的一种药草。
ōu qín kě néng shì yòng dé zuì duō de yī zhǒng yào cǎo。
Parsley is probably the most commonly used of all herbs.
2
肉豆蔻、西芹和苹果酒都能很好地突出这些豆子的味道。
ròu dòu kòu、 、 xī qín hé píng guǒ jiǔ dū néng hěn hǎo dì tū chū zhè xiē dòu zǐ de wèi。
Nutmeg, parsley and cider all complement the flavour of these beans well.
Remove from the heat, add the parsley, toss and serve at once.
6
欧芹沙司鱼
ōu qín shā sī yú
fish with parsley sauce
7
一根芹菜
yī gēn qín cài
a stick of celery
8
把芹菜切碎放到色拉.
bǎ qín cài qiē suì fàng dào sè lā.
Chop the celery and add it to the salad.
9
卡罗琳从地里挖出一棵芹菜.
kǎ luó lín cóng dì lǐ wā chū yī kē qín cài.
Caroline dug up a head of celery.
10
这芹菜新鲜脆嫩.
zhè qín cài xīn xiān cuì nèn.
The celery is fresh and crisp.
Cultural Notes for 芹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cuisine, celery is not only valued for its flavor but also for its health benefits, such as being low in calories and high in vitamins. It often symbolizes health and vitality in traditional dishes.
Word Family of 芹
Words Containing This Character5
芹菜celery (Apium graveolens)
芹qínChinese celery
曹雪芹Cao Xueqin (c. 1715-c. 1764), accepted author of A Dream of Red Mansions 紅樓夢|红楼梦[HónglóuMèng]
欧芹parsley (Petroselinum sativum)歐芹
西芹celery
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 芹菜 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 芹
芹 is often found in stir-fries, salads, and soups, lending a fresh flavor to various dishes.
While similar, 芹 (Chinese celery) is usually thinner and has a stronger taste compared to Western celery.
Yes, but be mindful of the stronger flavor; you may want to adjust quantities.
