Definitions

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

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "梅" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, integrating the tree radical "木" with the phonetic element "每" to designate the plum tree and its fruit. Its etymology reflects an initial reference to the Prunus mume species, valued for both its blossoms and sour plums. Over time, the term's meaning extended from purely botanical identification to include the flower itself and, through sustained cultural use, accumulated symbolic associations such as perseverance and early renewal, inspired by the blossom's winter flowering. The character's composition has remained largely unchanged, preserving its direct ties to the plant while accommodating these expanded conceptual roles.

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.