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菟 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
菟tùcreeper, parasitic vine; Cuscuta sinensisn, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
菟tùdodder (Cuscuta sinensis, a parasitic vine with seeds having medicinal uses)unknown, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
菟tùalso called 菟絲子|菟丝子unknown, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
菟túcreeper, parasitic vine; Cuscuta sinensisn, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
菟túdodder (Cuscuta sinensis, a parasitic vine with seeds having medicinal uses)unknown, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
菟túalso called 菟絲子|菟丝子unknown, 11 strokes, radical 艹, rank #58720, Very Hard
tú(tu2)tu
primary
T2
  1. 1creeper, parasitic vine; Cuscuta sinensis
  2. 2dodder (Cuscuta sinensis, a parasitic vine with seeds having medicinal uses)
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March 24, 2026

菟tú(tu2)

The character 菟 (tú) refers to a type of parasitic vine known as dodder, specifically Cuscuta sinensis, which thrives by attaching to other plants and drawing nutrients from them. This plant has medicinal properties and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. It symbolizes dependency and can also indicate the concept of something that lacks its own sustenance.

Strokes11Radical艹Frequency#58720DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, 菟丝子 (tú sī zǐ), the seed of the dodder vine, is valued for its medicinal properties, often used to enhance kidney health and improve fertility. Its role in traditional Chinese medicine reflects the deep connection between nature and health in Chinese philosophy.

Memory tip

Imagine a vine (菟) wrapping around a tree, with its tendrils looking like a 'T' shape, which resembles the 't' in 'tú'. Picture it as a 'twin' that can’t survive without its host, reminding you of its parasitic nature.

Meanings of 菟

tú(tu2)
primary
1creeper, parasitic vine; Cuscuta sinensis
2dodder (Cuscuta sinensis, a parasitic vine with seeds having medicinal uses)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 菟

菟Simplified
11Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 菟

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Podcast: 菟

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AI study notes for 菟

Usage Notes

While 菟 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it appears in specialized contexts such as botany or traditional medicine. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you are clear about its specific meaning related to parasitic plants. This term is more technical and may not be appropriate in casual discussions.

HSK Study Tips

Though 菟 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding this word can enhance your vocabulary related to plants and medicine. Focus on recognizing its usage in texts about traditional Chinese medicine or botany, as it connects with vocabulary about nature and health.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 菟 with similar-sounding characters, such as 土 (tǔ), which means earth. Be careful to remember that 菟 specifically refers to a type of vine, while 土 relates to soil.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 菟

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Etymology of 菟

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

plant

Semantic (meaning)艹
+
Phonetic (sound)兔
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

菟 = 艹 + 兔. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 菟

IDS Structure⿱艹兔
菟Full character
=
艹cao3
top
兔tu4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 菟?

How to say creeper, parasitic vine; Cuscuta sinensis in Chinese

“creeper, parasitic vine; Cuscuta sinensis” in Chinese is菟tù

The character 菟 (tú) refers to a type of parasitic vine known as dodder, specifically Cuscuta sinensis, which thrives by attaching to other plants and drawing nutrients from them. This plant has medicinal properties and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. It symbolizes dependency and can also indicate the concept of something that lacks its own sustenance.

When to use 菟

While 菟 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it appears in specialized contexts such as botany or traditional medicine. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you are clear about its specific meaning related to parasitic plants. This term is more technical and may not be appropriate in casual discussions.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 菟 with similar-sounding characters, such as 土 (tǔ), which means earth. Be careful to remember that 菟 specifically refers to a type of vine, while 土 relates to soil.

Write 菟

菟

Practice writing 菟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 菟

Words containing this character2
菟túalso called 菟絲子|菟丝子
菟丝子dodder (Cuscuta sinensis, a parasitic vine with seeds used in medicine)菟絲子
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 菟

What does 菟丝子 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 菟

In traditional Chinese medicine, 菟 refers to a parasitic vine known for its medicinal benefits, particularly in treating kidney-related issues.

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