HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #27514, Hard
荤
hūn
non-vegetarian food (meat, fish, spicy food etc)
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #27514, Hard
荤
hūn
non-vegetarian food; garlic; a foul smell
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #27514, Hard
荤
hūn
non-vegetarian food (meat, fish etc)
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #27514, Hard
荤
hūn
vulgar
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #27514, Hard
荤
hūn
obscene
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #27514, Hard
hūn(hun1) T1
1strong-smelling vegetable (garlic etc)
2non-vegetarian food (meat, fish, spicy food etc)
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March 24, 2026
荤(葷)hūn(hun1)
The character 荤 (hūn) primarily refers to non-vegetarian food, such as meat and fish. It can also describe strong-smelling vegetables like garlic, and in some contexts, it can carry vulgar or obscene connotations. This word is often used in culinary discussions or when differentiating between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Strokes9Radical艹Frequency#27514DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, the distinction between 荤 and 素 is crucial, especially during festivals or religious occasions where vegetarian diets are observed, such as during the Buddhist vegetarian festival.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong-smelling dish with garlic (荤) that makes your nose wrinkle. The character resembles a plant (艹) on top, indicating something from nature, and the lower part (混) suggests a mixture, like mixing meat with vegetables. Picture yourself at a bustling market, overwhelmed by the aromas of both garlic and meat!
Meanings of 荤
hūn(hun1)
1strong-smelling vegetable (garlic etc)
2non-vegetarian food (meat, fish, spicy food etc)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 荤
荤Simplified
葷Traditional
9Strokes
艹Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#27514Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 荤
Podcast: 荤
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AI Study Notes for 荤
Quick Contrast
荤 (hūn) vs素 (sù) — choose 荤 when discussing non-vegetarian food, while 素 refers specifically to vegetarian options.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong-smelling dish with garlic (荤) that makes your nose wrinkle. The character resembles a plant (艹) on top, indicating something from nature, and the lower part (混) suggests a mixture, like mixing meat with vegetables. Picture yourself at a bustling market, overwhelmed by the aromas of both garlic and meat!
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 荤 with 素 (sù), which means vegetarian. Remember to use 荤 when discussing diets, particularly in restaurants or culinary contexts. Be cautious as the informal use can imply vulgarity; context is essential.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 荤 connects to food-related vocabulary and dietary discussions. Focus on its collocations with words like 饭 (fàn, rice) and 菜 (cài, dish) to enhance your understanding of menus and dining conversations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, the distinction between 荤 and 素 is crucial, especially during festivals or religious occasions where vegetarian diets are observed, such as during the Buddhist vegetarian festival.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 荤 when referring to vegetarian dishes, saying '这道菜是荤的' (zhè dào cài shì hūn de) instead of '这道菜是素的' (zhè dào cài shì sù de). Always double-check the context to use the appropriate term.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 荤
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Grammar Patterns of 荤
荤 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 6 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 1
Complete the Sentence
他们说着____段子，哼着不着调的小曲儿。
They told dirty jokes and sang raucous ballads.
Example Sentences for 荤 (1)
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1
他们说着荤段子，哼着不着调的小曲儿。
tā mén shuō zháo hūn duàn zǐ， ， hēng zháo bù zháo tiáo de xiǎo qū。
They told dirty jokes and sang raucous ballads.
Cultural Notes for 荤
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cuisine, the distinction between 荤 and 素 is crucial, especially during festivals or religious occasions where vegetarian diets are observed, such as during the Buddhist vegetarian festival.
