Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
种子(種子)zhǒngzi(zhong3zi5)
The term 种子 (zhǒngzi) refers to a 'seed,' which is the reproductive unit of a plant that can develop into a new plant. It is commonly used in agricultural contexts, as well as metaphorically to describe beginnings or potential, such as 'the seed of an idea.'
Frequency#7393DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of seeds is often associated with growth and potential, both literally in agriculture and metaphorically in personal development and innovation. The phrase 播种 (bōzhǒng), meaning 'to sow seeds,' is frequently used to symbolize starting new endeavors.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 种 (zhǒng) as a farmer (田) planting seeds (子) in the ground. The farmer sows the seeds with care, envisioning the growth to come, which helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 种子
zhǒngzi(zhong3zi5)
1seed
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 种子
种子Simplified
種子Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7393Frequency Rank
颗Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 种子
Podcast: 种子
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 种子
Quick Contrast
芽 (yá, sprout) — use 种子 for the reproductive unit before germination, while 芽 refers to the early growth stage after germination.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the character 种 (zhǒng) as a farmer (田) planting seeds (子) in the ground. The farmer sows the seeds with care, envisioning the growth to come, which helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse 种子 with the word for 'plant' (植物 zhíwù); remember that 种子 specifically refers to seeds. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but typically more in discussions related to agriculture or nature. Be careful with tone when pronouncing 'zhǒng,' as mispronouncing it could change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 种子 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to agriculture and nature. Students should focus on using it in compound phrases and idiomatic expressions, such as 种子发芽 (the seed sprouts), to enhance their fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of seeds is often associated with growth and potential, both literally in agriculture and metaphorically in personal development and innovation. The phrase 播种 (bōzhǒng), meaning 'to sow seeds,' is frequently used to symbolize starting new endeavors.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 种子 as zhòngzi (with a fourth tone), which can lead to confusion. Always remember the correct tones: zhǒngzi.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 种子
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 种子 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 种子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 种子
种子 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 2 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 4
Complete the Sentence
有一些____发芽快，所以差不多每天得察看一下。
Some seed varieties germinate fast, so check every day or so.
Example Sentences for 种子 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
有一些种子发芽快，所以差不多每天得察看一下。
yǒu yī xiē zhǒng zǐ fā yá kuài， ， suǒ yǐ chà bù duō měi tiān dé chá kàn yī。
Some seed varieties germinate fast, so check every day or so.
These seeds must be covered with a layer of earth.
8
冬季之心内含春之种子.
dōng jì zhī xīn nèi hán chūn zhī zhǒng zǐ.
In every winter heart, there is the seed of spring.
9
每一粒种子都是一种渴.
měi yī lì zhǒng zǐ dū shì yī zhǒng kě.
Every seed is a longing.
10
我们的狗回家时毛上有些带刺的种子.
wǒ mén de gǒu huí jiā shí máo shàng yǒu xiē dài cì de zhǒng zǐ.
Our dog came home with burrs in his coat.
Cultural Notes for 种子
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of seeds is often associated with growth and potential, both literally in agriculture and metaphorically in personal development and innovation. The phrase 播种 (bōzhǒng), meaning 'to sow seeds,' is frequently used to symbolize starting new endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions about 种子
种子 specifically means 'seed' in a general sense, while others like 粒 (lì) or 颗 (kē) refer to the counting units and can imply size or type.
Yes, 种子 can be used metaphorically to describe the beginnings of ideas, projects, or relationships.
The correct pronunciation is zhǒng (third tone) for 种 and zi (neutral tone) for 子.
