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蕹 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
蕹wèngan edible water plant; Ipomoea aquatican, 16 strokes, radical 艹
蕹wèngwater spinach or ong choy (Ipomoea aquatica), used as a vegetable in south China and southeast Asiaunknown, 16 strokes, radical 艹
蕹wèngTaiwan pr. [yong1]unknown, 16 strokes, radical 艹
wèng(weng4)weng T4
  1. 1an edible water plant; Ipomoea aquatica
  2. 2water spinach or ong choy (Ipomoea aquatica), used as a vegetable in south China and southeast Asia
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March 24, 2026

蕹wèng(weng4)

蕹 (wèng) refers to a type of edible water plant known as water spinach or Ipomoea aquatica. Commonly used in South China and Southeast Asia, it is a popular vegetable in various dishes, often stir-fried or used in soups, highlighting its versatility in local cuisine.

Strokes16Radical艹
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, water spinach is often featured in traditional dishes, especially in southern regions where it’s a staple vegetable. Its consumption reflects the agricultural practices and culinary preferences of these areas.

Memory Tip

Think of 蕹 as a water plant thriving in wet environments. The character has a radical for 'grass' (艹) at the top, which relates to its plant nature, while the bottom part can remind you of the word 'wade' (similar pronunciation) through water, linking it to its aquatic habitat.

Meanings of 蕹

wèng(weng4)
1an edible water plant; Ipomoea aquatica
2water spinach or ong choy (Ipomoea aquatica), used as a vegetable in south China and southeast Asia
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 蕹

蕹Simplified
16Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 蕹

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Podcast: 蕹

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AI Study Notes for 蕹

Usage Notes

When using 蕹, be mindful that it is often referred to in a culinary context, particularly in informal settings. Avoid confusing it with other greens; it specifically denotes water spinach. Remember to pronounce it correctly, as mispronouncing the tone can change its meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Although 蕹 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to the theme of food and plants, which are relevant at lower levels. Students should focus on recognizing the plant-related radical and practice its pronunciation to use it correctly in conversations about food.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 蕹 with other similar plant names, such as 菠菜 (bōcài) for spinach. It’s important to remember that 蕹 specifically refers to water spinach and not to be confused with common garden varieties.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蕹

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Etymology of 蕹

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

plant

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

Origin

蕹 = 艹 + 雍. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 蕹

IDS Structure⿱艹雍
蕹Full Character
=
艹cao3
top
雍Yong1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 蕹?

How to say an edible water plant; Ipomoea aquatica in Chinese

“an edible water plant; Ipomoea aquatica” in Chinese is蕹wèng

蕹 (wèng) refers to a type of edible water plant known as water spinach or Ipomoea aquatica. Commonly used in South China and Southeast Asia, it is a popular vegetable in various dishes, often stir-fried or used in soups, highlighting its versatility in local cuisine.

When to use 蕹

When using 蕹, be mindful that it is often referred to in a culinary context, particularly in informal settings. Avoid confusing it with other greens; it specifically denotes water spinach. Remember to pronounce it correctly, as mispronouncing the tone can change its meaning.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 蕹 with other similar plant names, such as 菠菜 (bōcài) for spinach. It’s important to remember that 蕹 specifically refers to water spinach and not to be confused with common garden varieties.

Write 蕹

蕹

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

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Word Family of 蕹

Words Containing This Character2
蕹wèngTaiwan pr. [yōng]
蕹菜ong choy
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 蕹

What does 蕹菜 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 蕹

蕹 is commonly stir-fried with garlic or added to soups, making it a versatile ingredient in many Chinese dishes.

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