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March 24, 2026
棉花miánhuā(mian2hua1)
棉花 (mián huā) refers to cotton, a natural fiber obtained from the cotton plant's seed fibers. It is commonly used in textiles and clothing, valued for its softness and breathability. In various contexts, it can also refer to cotton products or materials made from cotton.
Frequency#7793DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Cotton is integral to Chinese textile history, particularly in regions like Jiangsu and Zhejiang, where cotton cultivation has shaped local economies. The use of cotton in traditional clothing, such as the qipao, illustrates its cultural significance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fluffy cloud of cotton candy floating in the sky. The character 棉 (mián) looks like a tree with a 'cloud' above it, representing the cotton plant, while 花 (huā) means flower, hinting at the plant's blooming form. Together, they symbolize the soft and fluffy nature of cotton.
Meanings of 棉花
miánhuā(mian2hua1)
1cotton
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 棉花
棉花Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7793Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 棉花
Podcast: 棉花
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AI Study Notes for 棉花
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fluffy cloud of cotton candy floating in the sky. The character 棉 (mián) looks like a tree with a 'cloud' above it, representing the cotton plant, while 花 (huā) means flower, hinting at the plant's blooming form. Together, they symbolize the soft and fluffy nature of cotton.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 棉花 with similar words like 毛 (máo), which means fur or hair. While 棉花 is a more formal term often used in textiles and industries, it can also be used informally when discussing clothing. Remember to use the correct tones: mián (2nd tone) and huā (1st tone).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 棉花 is essential for discussing topics related to fashion, textiles, and industry. Students should focus on context usage and related vocabulary, such as 衣服 (yīfu - clothing) and 纺织 (fǎngzhī - textile).
Cultural Note
Cotton is integral to Chinese textile history, particularly in regions like Jiangsu and Zhejiang, where cotton cultivation has shaped local economies. The use of cotton in traditional clothing, such as the qipao, illustrates its cultural significance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly write 棉花 as 'mián huā' with incorrect tones, such as 'mián hūa'. Additionally, some may confuse it with similar words like 纸 (zhǐ - paper), which is unrelated.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 棉花
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Grammar Patterns of 棉花
棉花 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这____长得真叫棒.
That's what I call a really good crop of cotton.
Example Sentences for 棉花 (10)
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1
这棉花长得真叫棒.
zhè mián huā cháng dé zhēn jiào bàng.
That's what I call a really good crop of cotton.
2
棉花期货交易的卖价是很高的.
mián huā qī huò jiāo yì de mài jià shì hěn gāo de.
Cotton futures are selling at high prices.
3
他们交售的棉花全部够得上一级.
tā mén jiāo shòu de mián huā quán bù gòu dé shàng yī jí.
All the cotton they sold to the state was top grade.
4
种棉花赚了那么多钱,能够出外旅行来了.
zhǒng mián huā zhuàn le nà mó duō qián, , néng gòu chū wài lǚ háng lái.
Cleared so much money on the cotton you can go visiting.
Cotton is integral to Chinese textile history, particularly in regions like Jiangsu and Zhejiang, where cotton cultivation has shaped local economies. The use of cotton in traditional clothing, such as the qipao, illustrates its cultural significance.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, cotton is often associated with comfort and casual wear, while in China, it is deeply integrated into traditional garments and agricultural practices.
Frequently Asked Questions about 棉花
棉 (mián) refers to the cotton fiber itself, while 棉花 (mián huā) usually refers to the cotton as a product or material.
Make sure to use the 2nd tone for 棉 (mián) and the 1st tone for 花 (huā) to convey the correct meaning.
No, 棉花 specifically refers to cotton; using it for other types of fibers or fabrics would be incorrect.
