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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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
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.
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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Phonosemantic compound. 艹 represents the meaning and 浦 represents the sound.
1The meaning half艹 carries the sense.
2The sound half浦 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 蒲? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 蒲?
Decomposition of 蒲
IDS Structure⿱艹浦
蒲Full Character
=
艹cao3
top
浦Pu3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 蒲?
How to say surname Pu in Chinese
“surname Pu” in Chinese is蒲pú
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.
When to use 蒲
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 蒲
蒲
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Practice writing 蒲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
