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March 24, 2026
薏yì(yi4)
The character 薏 (yì) refers to the seed of the Job's tear plant, which is often used in traditional Chinese medicine and cooking. It is particularly valued for its health benefits, including diuretic properties and nourishing effects on the skin. Commonly found in soups and desserts, this ingredient is a staple in certain regional cuisines.
Strokes16Radical艹Frequency#33227DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, 薏 is recognized for its health benefits, particularly for promoting digestion and clearing heat. It is often included in health tonics and is a popular ingredient in summer desserts to help cool the body.
Memory Tip
Imagine a young girl named Yi (yì) gathering lotus seeds by a serene pond. The character 薏 looks like a plant with leaves (the radical 艹) and seeds, linking it visually to the idea of nature and nourishment. Picture her cooking these seeds into a warm soup, reinforcing the connection to health and wellness.
Meanings of 薏
yì(yi4)
1lotus seed; the seed of the Job's tear plant
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About 薏
薏Simplified
16Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 薏
Podcast: 薏
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AI Study Notes for 薏
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a young girl named Yi (yì) gathering lotus seeds by a serene pond. The character 薏 looks like a plant with leaves (the radical 艹) and seeds, linking it visually to the idea of nature and nourishment. Picture her cooking these seeds into a warm soup, reinforcing the connection to health and wellness.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation, as tone mistakes can change meaning. 薏 is a less common term in everyday conversation, so use it within culinary or health contexts. Common collocations include 薏米 (yì mǐ, Job's tears) and 薏苡 (yì yǐ, another name for the same seed).
HSK Study Tips
While 薏 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to HSK level 4 words related to health and food. Focus on understanding its uses in traditional medicine and cooking to enhance your vocabulary in these areas.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, 薏 is recognized for its health benefits, particularly for promoting digestion and clearing heat. It is often included in health tonics and is a popular ingredient in summer desserts to help cool the body.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 薏 with similar-sounding characters like 意 (yì, meaning 'meaning') due to tonal errors. Always remember that 薏 has a specific pronunciation with a falling tone, yì.
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Pronunciation of 薏
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Cultural Notes for 薏
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, 薏 is recognized for its health benefits, particularly for promoting digestion and clearing heat. It is often included in health tonics and is a popular ingredient in summer desserts to help cool the body.
Word Family of 薏
Words Containing This Character3
薏yìChinese pearl barley
薏米grains of Job's tears plant 薏苡[yìyǐ]
薏苡Chinese pearl barley
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 薏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 薏
薏 is commonly used in soups and sweet dishes, particularly for its health benefits and soothing properties.
No, 薏 refers specifically to Job's tears, which are different from lotus seeds, although both are used in Chinese cuisine.
The correct pronunciation is yì, with a falling tone; make sure not to confuse it with similar sounding words.
