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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
2Indian madder
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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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
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.
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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Phonosemantic compound. 艹 represents the meaning and 西 represents the sound.
1The meaning half艹 carries the sense.
2The sound half西 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayplant
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 茜? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 茜?
Decomposition of 茜
IDS Structure⿱艹西
茜Full Character
=
艹cao3
top
西Xi1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 茜?
How to say reed, madder; Rubia cordifolia in Chinese
“reed, madder; Rubia cordifolia” in Chinese is茜qiàn
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.
When to use 茜
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 茜
茜
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Practice writing 茜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
