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March 24, 2026
荨(蕁)xún(xun2)
荨 (xún) refers to the plant commonly known as nettle, which is known for its stinging hairs that can cause irritation upon contact with skin. It is often used in traditional medicine and can also be found in various culinary contexts, particularly in herbal teas or soups. Understanding this term is useful for those interested in botany or traditional Chinese medicine.
Strokes9Radical艹Frequency#39250DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, nettle (荨) is sometimes incorporated into remedies for its perceived health benefits, highlighting the cultural importance of plants in Chinese herbal practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'sun' shining down on a 'nettle' plant. The character 荨 has the radical '艹' (grass) on top, indicating it's a plant. Picture the sun (xún sounds like 'sun') warming the nettle, which is known for its sting, making it memorable.
Meanings of 荨
xún(xun2)
1nettle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 荨
荨Simplified
蕁Traditional
9Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 荨
Podcast: 荨
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AI Study Notes for 荨
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'sun' shining down on a 'nettle' plant. The character 荨 has the radical '艹' (grass) on top, indicating it's a plant. Picture the sun (xún sounds like 'sun') warming the nettle, which is known for its sting, making it memorable.
Usage Notes
Learners should note that 荨 is a more specialized vocabulary term and may not be used in everyday conversation. It is typically found in botanical or medicinal contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with other similar-sounding plant names, so be attentive to context.
HSK Study Tips
While 荨 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with other plant-related vocabulary. Focus on recognizing similar characters and their radicals, which can enhance your understanding of botanical terms in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, nettle (荨) is sometimes incorporated into remedies for its perceived health benefits, highlighting the cultural importance of plants in Chinese herbal practices.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 荨 with other plant names like 蕨 (jué, fern) due to similar appearances. Remember, 荨 specifically refers to nettle, which has distinct properties.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 荨
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Grammar Patterns of 荨
荨 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). 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
____麻长有四方茎和细小茸毛。
The stinging nettle has a square stem and little hairs.
Example Sentences for 荨 (5)
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1
荨麻长有四方茎和细小茸毛。
qián má cháng yǒu sì fāng jīng hé xì xiǎo róng máo。
The stinging nettle has a square stem and little hairs.
2
荨麻扎了他们的腿。
qián má zā le tā mén de tuǐ。
The nettles stung their legs.
3
她不是一朵香气扑鼻的玫瑰花, 但至少是可以握在手里的荨麻.
tā bù shì yī duǒ xiāng qì pū bí de méi guī huā, , dàn zhì shǎo shì kě yǐ wò zài shǒu lǐ de qián.
She mightn't be inhaled as a rose, but she might be grasped as a nettle.
4
他们拔除了坟墓上的茂草和荨麻,砍断矮树和根株.
tā mén bá chú le fén mù shàng de mào cǎo hé qián má, , kǎn duàn ǎi shù hé gēn.
They plucked the long grass and nettles from the tombs, thinned the poor shrubs and roots.
5
目的: 观察抗荨丸治疗飞行员急慢性荨麻疹的临床疗效.
mù de: : guān chá kàng qián wán zhì liáo fēi háng yuán jí màn xìng qián má zhěn de lín chuáng liáo.
Objective : To observe the clinical effect of Kangxunwan on acute urticaria in pilots.
Cultural Notes for 荨
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, nettle (荨) is sometimes incorporated into remedies for its perceived health benefits, highlighting the cultural importance of plants in Chinese herbal practices.
Word Family of 荨
Words Containing This Character3
荨xúnnettle蕁
荨麻疹urticaria蕁麻疹
荨麻nettle蕁麻
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 荨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 荨
It's pronounced as 'xún', with a rising tone.
No, it's more often found in specific contexts related to botany or traditional medicine.
Plants like '草' (cǎo) which means 'grass' or other medicinal herbs might be mentioned in conjunction.
