Meanings of 葷
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 葷
Podcast: 葷
Podcast: 葷
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 葷
素 (sù) - use '葷' when referring to meat-based dishes, while '素' specifically denotes vegetarian options.
Common mistakes include confusing '葷' with '素' (sù), which means vegetarian. This word is generally used in informal contexts, such as at restaurants or home cooking discussions. Pay attention to the tonal pronunciation 'hūn' to avoid mixing it up with other similar-sounding words.
Although '葷' is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to cultural discussions around food, which are relevant for HSK levels 3 and above. Students should focus on food-related vocabulary and phrases, as they are commonly used in everyday conversations.
Learners often confuse '葷' with '香' (xiāng), which means fragrant or aromatic. For example, saying '这道菜是香的' (This dish is fragrant) instead of '这道菜是葷的' (This dish is non-vegetarian) alters the intended meaning.
Pronunciation of 葷
Drill the tone of 葷 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 葷
Phonosemantic compound. 艹 represents the meaning and 军 represents the sound. Simplified form of 葷.
plant
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 葷
Phonosemantic compound. 艹 represents the meaning and 军 represents the sound. Simplified form of 葷.
- 1The meaning half艹 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half軍 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 葷? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 葷?
Decomposition of 葷
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 葷?
How to say non-vegetarian food; garlic; a foul smell in Chinese
“non-vegetarian food; garlic; a foul smell” in Chinese is葷
The character '葷' refers to non-vegetarian food, particularly meat-based dishes. It is often used in culinary contexts to differentiate between vegetarian and meat options, and it can also imply strong or foul smells associated with certain foods. Understanding this character is essential for navigating menus and food-related conversations in Chinese-speaking environments.
When to use 葷
Common mistakes include confusing '葷' with '素' (sù), which means vegetarian. This word is generally used in informal contexts, such as at restaurants or home cooking discussions. Pay attention to the tonal pronunciation 'hūn' to avoid mixing it up with other similar-sounding words.
葷 or something close to it
素 (sù) - use '葷' when referring to meat-based dishes, while '素' specifically denotes vegetarian options.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '葷' with '香' (xiāng), which means fragrant or aromatic. For example, saying '这道菜是香的' (This dish is fragrant) instead of '这道菜是葷的' (This dish is non-vegetarian) alters the intended meaning.
Write 葷
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 葷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 葷
In contrast to many Western diets that often incorporate both meat and vegetarian options seamlessly, Chinese cuisine frequently categorizes food strictly into '葷' and '素', reflecting cultural attitudes towards food preparation and consumption.
Word Family of 葷
Compound Meaning
What does 荤 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 葷
The opposite is '素' (sù), which refers to vegetarian food.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 葷?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.