unknown, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58275, Very Hard
荏
rěn
weak
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58275, Very Hard
rěn(ren3) T3
1herb, mint; soft, pliable
2beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens)
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March 24, 2026
荏rěn(ren3)
The character 荏 (rěn) primarily refers to a type of herb, specifically the beefsteak plant, also known as perilla or mint. It can also describe something that is soft or pliable, conveying a sense of gentleness or weakness, often used in contexts related to texture or character.
Strokes9Radical艹Frequency#58275DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, herbs like 荏 (perilla) are valued for their health benefits and are often used in cooking and herbal remedies, reflecting the importance of natural ingredients in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soft, green herb swaying gently in the breeze, representing the character 荏. The left part of the character (艹) looks like grass, emphasizing its connection to herbs, while the right part (忍) hints at 'enduring' or 'tolerating,' suggesting the softness or pliability of the plant.
Meanings of 荏
rěn(ren3)
1herb, mint; soft, pliable
2beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 荏
荏Simplified
9Strokes
艹Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 荏
Podcast: 荏
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AI Study Notes for 荏
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a soft, green herb swaying gently in the breeze, representing the character 荏. The left part of the character (艹) looks like grass, emphasizing its connection to herbs, while the right part (忍) hints at 'enduring' or 'tolerating,' suggesting the softness or pliability of the plant.
Usage Notes
荏 (rěn) is more commonly used in literary or poetic contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Learners should be aware of its specific meaning as it can be confused with similar-sounding words. It is often paired with other characters related to plants or softness.
HSK Study Tips
Although 荏 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your knowledge of plant-related terms, which may appear in advanced readings. Focus on recognizing the character's components and its association with herbs.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, herbs like 荏 (perilla) are valued for their health benefits and are often used in cooking and herbal remedies, reflecting the importance of natural ingredients in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 荏 with similar characters like 忍 (rěn), which means 'to endure.' It's important to remember that 荏 specifically relates to herbs and softness. For example, saying 荏 means 'to endure' is incorrect; use 忍 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 荏
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Cultural Notes for 荏
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, herbs like 荏 (perilla) are valued for their health benefits and are often used in cooking and herbal remedies, reflecting the importance of natural ingredients in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 荏
Words Containing This Character3
荏rěnsoft
荏苒(literary) (of time) to slip away
色厉内荏a sheep in wolf's clothing色厲內荏
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 荏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 荏
荏 refers to perilla, which is commonly used in various Asian dishes for its distinct flavor and aroma.
荏 is not frequently used in everyday language but may appear in literary texts or discussions about herbs.
