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萌芽 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
萌芽méngyásproutHSK 7, v, 18 strokes, rank #22036, Very Hard
萌芽méngyágerm of a plantHSK 7, v, 18 strokes, rank #22036, Very Hard
萌芽méngyáto sprout (lit. or fig.)HSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #22036, Very Hard
萌芽méngyáto budHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #22036, Very Hard
萌芽méngyáto germinateHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #22036, Very Hard
萌芽méngyágermHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #22036, Very Hard
萌芽méngyáseedHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #22036, Very Hard
萌芽méngyábudHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #22036, Very Hard
méngyá(meng2ya2)meng ya T2
  1. 1sprout
  2. 2germ of a plant
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March 24, 2026

萌芽méngyá(meng2ya2)

萌芽 (méng yá) refers to the initial stage of growth for plants, where seeds begin to sprout or bud. It can also be used figuratively to describe the early stages of an idea, emotion, or trend beginning to develop.

Strokes18Frequency#22036DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 萌芽 is often related to new beginnings and hope, symbolizing the potential for growth in various aspects of life, such as business or personal endeavors.

Memory tip

Imagine a young plant peeking out from the soil, which signifies its first signs of life. The character 萌 (méng) looks like a sprout, while 芽 (yá) resembles a budding leaf, both reflecting the concept of new beginnings.

Meanings of 萌芽

méngyá(meng2ya2)
1sprout
2germ of a plant
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 萌芽

萌芽Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#22036Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 萌芽

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Podcast: 萌芽

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AI study notes for 萌芽

Quick Contrast

发芽 (fāyá) - use 萌芽 (méngyá) for the initial, tender stage of growth, while 发芽 (fāyá) refers to the more general process of sprouting.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in literature or discussions about growth. A common mistake is confusing 萌芽 with simply 'growing'; remember that 萌芽 specifically emphasizes the initial sprouting phase.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 萌芽 connects with other advanced vocabulary concerning growth and development. Students should focus on its metaphorical uses in addition to the literal ones to enhance their understanding of nuanced expressions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 萌芽 in contexts unrelated to growth, such as using it for completed actions. For example, saying '这个想法已经萌芽了' is incorrect; instead, say '这个想法正在萌芽中' (This idea is still sprouting).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 萌芽

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Component characters

萌méngto sprout
11 strokes艹
View full entry
芽yábud
HSK 77 strokes艹
View full entry

How to say sprout in Chinese

“sprout” in Chinese is萌芽méngyá

萌芽 (méng yá) refers to the initial stage of growth for plants, where seeds begin to sprout or bud. It can also be used figuratively to describe the early stages of an idea, emotion, or trend beginning to develop.

When to use 萌芽

This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in literature or discussions about growth. A common mistake is confusing 萌芽 with simply 'growing'; remember that 萌芽 specifically emphasizes the initial sprouting phase.

萌芽 or something close to it

发芽 (fāyá) - use 萌芽 (méngyá) for the initial, tender stage of growth, while 发芽 (fāyá) refers to the more general process of sprouting.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 萌芽 in contexts unrelated to growth, such as using it for completed actions. For example, saying '这个想法已经萌芽了' is incorrect; instead, say '这个想法正在萌芽中' (This idea is still sprouting).

Write 萌芽

萌
芽

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

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Grammar patterns of 萌芽

萌芽 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 8 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 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这些发展早在十多年前的____阶段就已预见到。

These developments were foreseen in embryo more than a decade ago.

Example sentences for 萌芽 (2)

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1
这些发展早在十多年前的萌芽阶段就已预见到。

zhèxiē fāzhǎn zǎo zài shí duōnián qián de méngyá jiēduàn jiù yǐ yùjiàn dào。

These developments were foreseen in embryo more than a decade ago.
2
今年树萌芽得早.

jīnnián shù méngyá de zǎo.

The trees are budding early this year.

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Frequently asked questions about 萌芽

No, 萌芽 can also refer to the early stages of ideas or emotions, indicating their initial development.

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