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March 24, 2026
茜qiàn(qian4)
The character 茜 (qiàn) refers to a type of plant known as madder, specifically Rubia cordifolia, which is used for dyeing. It can also appear in personal names as a transliteration. This word is often used in botanical contexts and can evoke traditional dyeing practices in China.
Strokes9Radical艹Frequency#6097DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, madder has historical significance in textile dyeing, particularly in traditional Chinese silk dyeing techniques. This character encapsulates a connection to ancient practices that reflect the artistry and craftsmanship of Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a vibrant red dye made from the roots of a plant with long, reed-like leaves. The character 茜 resembles a plant with its leaves (the radical '艹' at the top) and the '干' below suggests the root. Picture a painter dipping their brush into the red dye, shouting 'Qiàn!' as they color their masterpiece.
Meanings of 茜
qiàn(qian4)
primary
1reed, madder; Rubia cordifolia
2used in the transliteration of people's names
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 茜
茜Simplified
9Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 茜
Podcast: 茜
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AI Study Notes for 茜
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a vibrant red dye made from the roots of a plant with long, reed-like leaves. The character 茜 resembles a plant with its leaves (the radical '艹' at the top) and the '干' below suggests the root. Picture a painter dipping their brush into the red dye, shouting 'Qiàn!' as they color their masterpiece.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 茜 in conversation, as it may not be commonly recognized outside of specialized contexts. It is more frequently found in literature or discussions about traditional arts. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words, as tonal errors can alter meanings significantly.
HSK Study Tips
Although 茜 is not in the HSK curriculum, it represents a good opportunity to learn about plant-related vocabulary. Focus on the radicals and components to strengthen your understanding of similar characters, especially those related to nature.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, madder has historical significance in textile dyeing, particularly in traditional Chinese silk dyeing techniques. This character encapsulates a connection to ancient practices that reflect the artistry and craftsmanship of Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 茜 with other characters like 芥 (jiè), which means mustard, due to the similar radical. Remember that 茜 specifically relates to the madder plant, while 芥 pertains to another type of plant.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 茜
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Grammar Patterns of 茜
茜 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 4 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
他不断鼓励罗____为自己找个住处。
He kept encouraging Rosie to find a place of her own.
Example Sentences for 茜 (10)
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1
他不断鼓励罗茜为自己找个住处。
tā bù duàn gǔ lì luó qiàn wéi zì jǐ zhǎo gè zhù chǔ。
He kept encouraging Rosie to find a place of her own.
" Well, Miss Scarlett, mah Dilcey ten'ter Miss Melly's chile.
6
他的小题大做简直快把埃尔茜逼疯了。
tā de xiǎo tí dà zuò jiǎn zhí kuài bǎ āi ěr qiàn bī fēng le。
He nearly drove Elsie mad with his fussing.
7
杰茜卡的祖父母带她出去玩了一天。
jié qiàn kǎ de zǔ fù mǔ dài tā chū qù wán le yī tiān。
Jessica's grandparents took her out for the day.
8
贝茜身穿华丽的深蓝色天鹅绒衣服，在桌旁徘徊。
bèi qiàn shēn chuān huá lì de shēn lán sè tiān é róng yī fú， ， zài zhuō páng pái。
Bessie, resplendent in royal blue velvet, was hovering beside the table.
9
我与克丽茜对视了一眼，但她只是一脸天真地对我微笑。
wǒ yǔ kè lì qiàn duì shì le yī yǎn， ， dàn tā zhī shì yī liǎn tiān zhēn dì duì wǒ wēi。
I caught Chrissie's eye, but she only smiled back at me innocently.
10
罗茜一脸茫然。
luó qiàn yī liǎn máng rán。
Rosie had a look of incomprehension on her face.
Cultural Notes for 茜
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, madder has historical significance in textile dyeing, particularly in traditional Chinese silk dyeing techniques. This character encapsulates a connection to ancient practices that reflect the artistry and craftsmanship of Chinese culture.
Word Family of 茜
Words Containing This Character3
茜qiànmunjeet
露茜Lucy (from the Narnia chronicles)
茜草munjit
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 茜 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 茜
茜 translates to 'madder,' a plant used for dyeing, and it can also refer to a specific shade of red.
Yes, but it is primarily found in botanical discussions or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Yes, 茜 can be used in transliterating names and is sometimes used as a feminine given name.
