vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC)
unknown, 16 strokes, radical 艹, rank #15417, Hard
xuē(Xue1) T1
1wormwood, marsh grass; a feudal state
2vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
薛xuē(Xue1)
The character 薛 (xuē) primarily refers to wormwood or marsh grass, plants often found in wetland areas. It is also used as a surname in China and historically represents a vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty, indicating its significance in ancient Chinese history.
Strokes16Radical艹Frequency#15417DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The character 薛 relates to the historical state of 薛 in ancient China, which played a role during the Zhou Dynasty, illustrating the feudal system in place at the time.
Memory Tip
Imagine a marsh filled with tall grasses, where the 'X' in 'Xue' looks like a person with arms reaching up to the sky. This visual connects the character's form to its meaning as grass and its historical importance.
Meanings of 薛
xuē(Xue1)
1wormwood, marsh grass; a feudal state
2vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 薛
薛Simplified
16Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 薛
Podcast: 薛
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AI Study Notes for 薛
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a marsh filled with tall grasses, where the 'X' in 'Xue' looks like a person with arms reaching up to the sky. This visual connects the character's form to its meaning as grass and its historical importance.
Usage Notes
When using 薛 as a surname, it is important to note that it is less common than other surnames, so context is key. Be careful with its pronunciation, ensuring to maintain the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 薛 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is beneficial to recognize it alongside other surnames and historical terms at the same level. Focus on understanding its context in Chinese history to enhance your cultural knowledge.
Cultural Note
The character 薛 relates to the historical state of 薛 in ancient China, which played a role during the Zhou Dynasty, illustrating the feudal system in place at the time.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 薛 with similar-sounding names, such as 许 (xǔ). A common mistake is to pronounce 薛 with a falling tone (xuè) instead of the correct high tone (xuē).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 薛
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Grammar Patterns of 薛
薛 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 3 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 2
Complete the Sentence
从此后____家母子就在梨香院住了.
So Aunt Xue and her children moved into Pear Fragrance Court.
In 1962, Yaping introduced by Chen Shaolin Master Zhang Junqiu al.
Cultural Notes for 薛
🏮Cultural insight
The character 薛 relates to the historical state of 薛 in ancient China, which played a role during the Zhou Dynasty, illustrating the feudal system in place at the time.
Word Family of 薛
Words Containing This Character7
薛xuēsurname Xue
薛宝钗Xue Baochai, female character in Dream of Red Mansions, married to Jia Baoyu 賈寶玉|贾宝玉薛寶釵
薛仁贵Xue Rengui (614-683) great Tang dynasty general薛仁貴
薛福成Xue Fucheng (1838-1894), Qing official and progressive political theorist
薛城Xuecheng district of Zaozhuang city 棗莊市|枣庄市[Zǎozhuāngshì], Shandong
薛城区Xuecheng district of Zaozhuang city 棗莊市|枣庄市[Zǎozhuāngshì], Shandong薛城區
薛居正Xue Juzheng (912-981), Song historian and compiler of History of the Five Dynasties between Tang and Song 舊五代史|旧五代史
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 薛 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 薛
It means wormwood or marsh grass, and it is also a surname.
It is pronounced as 'xuē' with a high level tone.
No, it is not as common as other Chinese surnames.
