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March 24, 2026
蕾lěi(lei3)
The character 蕾 (lěi) refers to a flower bud, representing the early stage of a flower before it blooms. It is commonly used in contexts related to nature, gardening, and poetry, often symbolizing potential and beauty yet to be realized.
Strokes16Radical艹Frequency#3198DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, flower buds symbolize potential and the beauty of nature, often celebrated in poetry and art. The blooming of a bud is associated with new beginnings and growth, reflecting cultural values of renewal.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'lei' (rhymes with lěi) made of fresh flower buds, tightly wrapped and waiting to bloom. The character 蕾 has the radical for 'plant' (艹) at the top, connecting it to nature and growth, with the lower part hinting at the shape of a bud.
Meanings of 蕾
lěi(lei3)
1bud
2flower bud
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蕾
蕾Simplified
16Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#3198Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蕾
Podcast: 蕾
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AI Study Notes for 蕾
Quick Contrast
蕾 (bud) vs 花 (flower) — use 蕾 when emphasizing the unbloomed state, while 花 refers to the fully blossomed flower.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'lei' (rhymes with lěi) made of fresh flower buds, tightly wrapped and waiting to bloom. The character 蕾 has the radical for 'plant' (艹) at the top, connecting it to nature and growth, with the lower part hinting at the shape of a bud.
Usage Notes
When using 蕾, remember that it is often paired with other floral terms or adjectives to describe different types of buds. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts, as it is more poetic or descriptive. Be cautious with the third tone; a common mistake is to pronounce it with a flat tone.
HSK Study Tips
While 蕾 is not included in the HSK levels, it aligns with vocabulary related to nature and flowers, often encountered in advanced readings. Focus on recognizing and using it in descriptive contexts to enhance your language skills related to nature.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, flower buds symbolize potential and the beauty of nature, often celebrated in poetry and art. The blooming of a bud is associated with new beginnings and growth, reflecting cultural values of renewal.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 蕾 with similar-sounding characters, such as 雷 (léi, thunder), leading to incorrect meanings. For example, saying '雷的花' (thunder's flower) instead of '蕾的花' (flower's bud) can change the intended imagery.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蕾
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Grammar Patterns of 蕾
蕾 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
你须得忍受格____丝心不在焉的作风。
You will have to put up with Grace's absent-mindedness.
Example Sentences for 蕾 (10)
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1
你须得忍受格蕾丝心不在焉的作风。
nǐ xū dé rěn shòu gé lěi sī xīn bù zài yān de zuò fēng。
You will have to put up with Grace's absent-mindedness.
The men support the ballerinas, who pose with their uplifted arms.
8
蕾特别喜欢咯咯地笑，而且总是爱开玩笑。
lěi tè bié xǐ huān kǎ kǎ dì xiào， ， ér qiě zǒng shì ài kāi wán。
Ray was very giggly and joking all the time.
9
特蕾西说小木屋闹鬼。
tè lěi xī shuō xiǎo mù wū nào guǐ。
Tracy said the cabin was haunted.
10
他在1988年重回萨德勒的威尔斯皇家芭蕾舞团，任行政助理。
tā zài1988 1988 nián zhòng huí sà dé lè de wēi ěr sī huáng jiā bā lěi wǔ， tuán ， rèn háng zhèng。
He rejoined Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet as Assistant Administrator in
Cultural Notes for 蕾
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, flower buds symbolize potential and the beauty of nature, often celebrated in poetry and art. The blooming of a bud is associated with new beginnings and growth, reflecting cultural values of renewal.
Word Family of 蕾
Words Containing This Character9
蕾lěibud
芭蕾bālěiballet (loanword)
芭蕾舞ballet (loanword)
花蕾huālěibud
味蕾taste bud(s)
杜蕾斯Durex, a condom brand name
蓓蕾flower bud
舒芙蕾soufflé (loanword)
水上芭蕾synchronized swimming
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蕾 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蕾
You might say, '这朵花的蕾还没有开放,' meaning 'The bud of this flower has not yet bloomed.'
No, it is more often found in literary or poetic contexts rather than in everyday speech.
Words like 花 (flower) and 盛开 (to bloom) are commonly used alongside 蕾.
