HSK 6, v, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #2603, Medium
松
sōng
surname Song
HSK 6, v, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #2603, Medium
松
sōng
pine
HSK 6, v, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #2603, Medium
松
sōng
to loosen
HSK 6, v, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #2603, Medium
松
sōng
to relax
HSK 6, v, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #2603, Medium
松
sōng
pine tree; fir tree
HSK 6, v, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #2603, Medium
sōng(song1) T1
1loose
2pine
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March 24, 2026
松(鬆)sōng(song1)
The character 松 (sōng) primarily means 'pine' and refers to the pine tree, which is often associated with resilience and longevity in Chinese culture. It can also mean 'to loosen' or 'to relax,' commonly used in contexts where one is easing tension or releasing something tightly held. This duality in meaning allows the character to be used in both natural and metaphorical contexts.
Strokes8Radical木Frequency#2603DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the pine tree is a symbol of endurance and strength, often featured in poetry and art as an emblem of resilience against harsh conditions. It's frequently associated with the idea of staying steadfast and unwavering, especially in the face of adversity.
Memory Tip
Think of 松 (sōng) as a 'song' that brings you to a peaceful pine forest where you can relax. The character resembles a tree with branches and a trunk, representing the pine tree, while the sound 'sōng' can remind you of a soothing tune that helps you relax.
Meanings of 松
sōng(song1)
1loose
2pine
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 松
松Simplified
鬆Traditional
8Strokes
木Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2603Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2BCT✓CEFRB1
Podcast: 松
Podcast: 松
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AI Study Notes for 松
Quick Contrast
松 (sōng) vs 放 (fàng) — use 松 when referring specifically to 'loosen' or 'relax' in a context of easing tension, while 放 is more about 'release' or 'let go' in a broader sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 松 (sōng) as a 'song' that brings you to a peaceful pine forest where you can relax. The character resembles a tree with branches and a trunk, representing the pine tree, while the sound 'sōng' can remind you of a soothing tune that helps you relax.
Usage Notes
When using 松, be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like 送 (sòng), which means 'to send.' It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in everyday speech when referring to relaxation. Common collocations include 松弛 (sōngchí), meaning 'to relax' and 松树 (sōngshù), meaning 'pine tree.'
HSK Study Tips
松 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary lists, but it is relevant for learners at higher levels who want to expand their understanding of nature-related vocabulary. Students should focus on recognizing the character's appearance and practicing its pronunciation, as well as its use in idiomatic expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the pine tree is a symbol of endurance and strength, often featured in poetry and art as an emblem of resilience against harsh conditions. It's frequently associated with the idea of staying steadfast and unwavering, especially in the face of adversity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 松 (sōng) with 送 (sòng) due to their similar pronunciations. For example, saying '我松你去' (Wǒ sōng nǐ qù) instead of '我送你去' (Wǒ sòng nǐ qù) which means 'I will send you.' Make sure to remember the correct context for each character.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 松
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Grammar Patterns of 松
松 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 6 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.
tā shēn zháo yī jiàn tiáo wén chèn shān hé yī tiáo kuān sōng de lán kù zǐ。
He was wearing a stripy shirt and baggy blue trousers.
9
轻松捞取利润的可能性吸引了一拨不良商人。
qīng sōng lāo qǔ lì rùn de kě néng xìng xī yǐn le yī bō bù liáng shāng rén。
The prospect of easy profits has attracted the wrong kind of businessman.
10
你在家度过了一段轻松时光。
nǐ zài jiā dù guò le yī duàn qīng sōng shí guāng。
You had an easy time of it at home.
Cultural Notes for 松
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, the pine tree (松) symbolizes longevity and resilience. Pine trees can thrive in harsh environments, making them a symbol of strength and endurance in Chinese art and literature.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the pine tree is a symbol of endurance and strength, often featured in poetry and art as an emblem of resilience against harsh conditions. It's frequently associated with the idea of staying steadfast and unwavering, especially in the face of adversity.
Word Family of 松
Compounds8
鬆song1pine tree; fir tree
凇song1dewdrop; icicle
崧song1tall mountain; lofty, eminent
淞Song1a river in Jiangsu province
菘song1celery, cabbage
倯
硹
蜙
Words Containing This Character20
放松fàngsōngto loosen放鬆
轻松qīngsōnglight輕鬆
松sōngloose鬆
宽松kuānsōngrelaxed寬鬆
松开to release鬆開
马拉松marathon (loanword)馬拉松
松鼠squirrel
松下Matsushita (name)
松手to let go鬆手
松子pine nut
松弛sōngchíto relax鬆弛
尼克松surname Nixon
松动loose鬆動
疏松to loosen疏鬆
松懈to relax鬆懈
松树sōngshùpine松樹
松散to relax鬆散
松花江Songhua River in Jilin province 吉林省 through Harbin 哈尔滨, a tributary of Heilongjiang 黑龍江|黑龙江
蓬松fluffy蓬鬆
松软flexible鬆軟
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 鬆 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 松
Common phrases include '放松' (fàngsōng), which means 'to relax,' and '松开' (sōngkāi), meaning 'to loosen.' These phrases showcase the versatility of the character in different contexts.
Yes, 松 (sōng) is a common surname in China. Like many Chinese surnames, it has historical significance and is shared by many families across the country.
松 (sōng) means 'pine' in Chinese, referring to the pine tree. It can also mean 'to loosen' or 'to relax.' Additionally, it is a common surname in China.
You can use 松 (sōng) in sentences like '这棵松树很高' (This pine tree is very tall) or '我想松一下肩膀' (I want to relax my shoulders). It can describe both the physical tree and the action of loosening or relaxing.
松 can refer to both the pine tree and the act of loosening or relaxing, depending on the context.
You can say '我想松一下' (Wǒ xiǎng sōng yīxià) to mean 'I want to relax a bit.'
