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莼 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
莼chúnan edible water plant; Brasenian, 10 strokes, radical 艹
莼chúnedible water plantunknown, 10 strokes, radical 艹
莼chúnBrasenia schreberiunknown, 10 strokes, radical 艹
chún(chun2) T2
  1. 1an edible water plant; Brasenia
  2. 2edible water plant
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

莼(蒓)chún(chun2)

莼 (chún) refers to an edible aquatic plant commonly known as Brasenia schreberi, which is often found in freshwater environments. It is known for its unique flavor and is used in various culinary dishes, especially in traditional Chinese cuisine. This character is not frequently used in everyday conversation but may appear in specific contexts related to cooking or botany.

Strokes10Radical艹
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, certain aquatic plants like 莼 are appreciated for their unique taste and health benefits, often featured in seasonal dishes. They are particularly popular in regions with abundant freshwater resources, reflecting the connection between geography and culinary practices.

Memory Tip

Imagine a pond filled with graceful water plants (莼), where a chef (the sound 'chun' resembles 'chef') is picking them for a delicious soup. The leafy green form of the character resembles the aquatic plant itself, helping you visualize its natural habitat.

Meanings of 莼

chún(chun2)
1an edible water plant; Brasenia
2edible water plant
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 莼

莼Simplified
蒓Traditional
10Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 莼

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Podcast: 莼

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AI Study Notes for 莼

Usage Notes

This word is quite specialized and may not be recognized by all speakers. It’s important to use it in the appropriate context, such as discussing food or botany. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless the topic is relevant. Remember that the character is not commonly used in modern language.

HSK Study Tips

Although not included in the standard HSK levels, understanding 莼 can enrich vocabulary related to nature and food. Students should focus on its pronunciation and usage in specific contexts, possibly linking it with other aquatic plant terms they encounter.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 莼 with similar-sounding words or characters related to other plants, such as 蕨 (jué, fern). Ensure you remember that 莼 specifically refers to Brasenia schreberi and is distinct from other plant terms.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 莼

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Etymology of 莼

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

plant

Semantic (meaning)艹
+
Phonetic (sound)纯
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 莼

  1. 1The meaning half艹 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half纯 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayplant
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 莼? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 莼?

Decomposition of 莼

IDS Structure⿱艹纯
莼Full Character
=
艹cao3
top
纯chun2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 莼?

How to say an edible water plant; Brasenia in Chinese

“an edible water plant; Brasenia” in Chinese is莼chún

莼 (chún) refers to an edible aquatic plant commonly known as Brasenia schreberi, which is often found in freshwater environments. It is known for its unique flavor and is used in various culinary dishes, especially in traditional Chinese cuisine. This character is not frequently used in everyday conversation but may appear in specific contexts related to cooking or botany.

When to use 莼

This word is quite specialized and may not be recognized by all speakers. It’s important to use it in the appropriate context, such as discussing food or botany. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless the topic is relevant. Remember that the character is not commonly used in modern language.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 莼 with similar-sounding words or characters related to other plants, such as 蕨 (jué, fern). Ensure you remember that 莼 specifically refers to Brasenia schreberi and is distinct from other plant terms.

Write 莼

莼

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 莼

Words Containing This Character2
莼chúnedible water plant蒓
莼菜Brasenia schreberi蒓菜
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 莼 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 莼

莼 has a unique, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture, often compared to a mix of water chestnuts and greens.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 莼?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.