Definitions

méi (noun) plum; plum flower
méi (noun) Japanese apricot

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phonosemantic compound combining the semantic radical (mù, 'tree' or 'wood') with the phonetic (měi). It denotes the plum tree, its blossoms, and its fruit, which are prominent in East Asian botany and culture. The tree blooms in late winter or early spring, often amid snow, and its endurance in harsh conditions has made the plum blossom a symbol of resilience, endurance, and purity. This metaphor pervades classical literature, painting, and other cultural traditions.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Wu (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

花在冬天开放。

Méi huā zài dōngtiān kāifàng.

Plum blossoms bloom in winter.

子是一种水果。

Méizi shì yī zhǒng shuǐguǒ.

Plums are a type of fruit.

这棵树很高大。

Zhè kē méi shù hěn gāodà.

This plum tree is very tall.

妈妈做了子酱。

Māma zuò le méizi jiàng.

Mom made plum jam.

花象征着坚强。

Méi huā xiàngzhēng zhe jiānqiáng.

Plum blossoms symbolize strength.

我们在园里赏花。

Wǒmen zài méi yuán lǐ shǎng huā.

We are admiring flowers in the plum garden.

雨季节经常下雨。

Méiyǔ jìjié jīngcháng xià yǔ.

The rainy season often rains.

花香气弥漫在空气中。

Méi huā xiāngqì mímàn zài kōngqì zhōng.

The fragrance of plum blossoms permeates the air.