unknown, 13 strokes, radical 艹, rank #26472, Very Hard
蒲
pú
old place name
unknown, 13 strokes, radical 艹, rank #26472, Very Hard
蒲
pú
bullrush
unknown, 13 strokes, radical 艹, rank #26472, Very Hard
pú(Pu2) T2
1vine, rush
2old place name
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March 24, 2026
蒲pú(Pu2)
The character 蒲 (pú) refers to a type of plant known as rush or bulrush, commonly found in wetlands. It can also be a surname in China, as well as an ancient place name. In general usage, it signifies a connection to nature and specific flora, often associated with traditional Chinese landscapes.
Strokes13Radical艹Frequency#26472DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, various plants, including 蒲, have historical significance and uses in herbal remedies, showcasing the deep connection between nature and health in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a lush wetland filled with tall, green rush plants swaying gently in the breeze. The character 蒲 resembles a plant with its broad leaves (the top part of the character) growing from the ground (the bottom part), reminding you of the rushes that grow near water. The 'p' sound in pú can be linked to the 'p' in plant.
Meanings of 蒲
pú(Pu2)
1vine, rush
2old place name
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 蒲
蒲Simplified
13Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蒲
Podcast: 蒲
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AI Study Notes for 蒲
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a lush wetland filled with tall, green rush plants swaying gently in the breeze. The character 蒲 resembles a plant with its broad leaves (the top part of the character) growing from the ground (the bottom part), reminding you of the rushes that grow near water. The 'p' sound in pú can be linked to the 'p' in plant.
Usage Notes
When using 蒲 in conversation, ensure you are aware of the context, as it can refer to both the plant and the surname. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words. It is typically used in more formal or literary contexts when referring to the plant.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蒲 is not part of HSK vocabulary, it connects to other nature-related terms that learners may encounter. Focus on recognizing its usage in literature or poetry, where nature imagery is prevalent. Try to learn related plant names to expand your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, various plants, including 蒲, have historical significance and uses in herbal remedies, showcasing the deep connection between nature and health in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蒲 with similar characters like 菩 (pú, meaning 'Bodhi tree'), leading to incorrect usage in contexts related to plants. Always check the context to ensure you are using the correct character.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蒲
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Grammar Patterns of 蒲
蒲 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.
Cattails, dried milkweed pods, and other weeds may be gathered and painted for decorations.
Example Sentences for 蒲 (1)
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1
有人喜欢收集香蒲属植物 、 干枯的马利筋属植物的茎荚和其他野草,将它们着色, 然后再做成装饰品.
yǒu rén xǐ huān shōu jí xiāng pú shǔ zhí wù、 、 gān kū de mǎ lì jīn shǔ zhí wù de jīng jiá hé qí tā yě, cǎo , jiāng tā mén, zháo sè , rán hòu zài zuò chéng.
Cattails, dried milkweed pods, and other weeds may be gathered and painted for decorations.
Cultural Notes for 蒲
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, various plants, including 蒲, have historical significance and uses in herbal remedies, showcasing the deep connection between nature and health in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 蒲
Words Containing This Character20
蒲púbullrush
蒲公英dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum)
蒲团praying mat (Buddhism, made of woven cattail)蒲團
蒲式耳bushel (eight gallons)
香蒲bulrush
菖蒲Acorus calamus
蒲江Pujiang county in Chengdu 成都[Chéngdū], Sichuan
蒲扇palm-leaf fan
蒲松龄Pu Songling (1640-1715), author of 聊齋志異|聊斋志异[LiáozhāiZhìyì]蒲松齡
蒲县Pu county in Linfen 臨汾|临汾[Línfén], Shanxi蒲縣
蒲城Pucheng County in Weinan 渭南[Wèinán], Shaanxi
蒲江县Pujiang county in Chengdu 成都[Chéngdū], Sichuan蒲江縣
蒲城县Pucheng County in Weinan 渭南[Wèinán], Shaanxi蒲城縣
蒲葵Chinese fan palm
蒲甘Bagan (Pagan), ancient capital of Myanmar (Burma)
蒲圻Puqi, old name for Chibi county level city 赤壁市[Chìbìshì], Xianning 咸宁市, Hubei
蒲剧Puzhou opera of Shanxi Province蒲劇
蒲瓜white flowered gourd or calabash (family Crescentia)
蒲菜edible rhizome of cattail 香蒲[xiāngpú]
蒲圻市Puqi, old name for Chibi county level city 赤壁市[Chìbìshì], Xianning 咸宁市, Hubei
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蒲 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蒲
In modern usage, 蒲 typically refers to the rush plant, which is often mentioned in poetry and literature.
Yes, 蒲 is also a surname in China, though it is less common than some other surnames.
While 蒲 itself is not commonly found in idioms, it may appear in literary texts that describe nature.
