Definitions

lěi (noun) bud; flower bud

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "蕾" is a phono-semantic compound formed by the grass radical "艹" to denote its botanical category and the component "雷" which primarily functions as a phonetic marker, lending the character its sound similar to "léi". Etymologically, this construction directly associates the character with the concept of a plant bud, specifically a flower bud, through the semantic hint of the radical. In terms of structural evolution, the character has consistently featured these components since its documented appearance in the Chinese writing system. The meaning of "蕾" has remained focused on referring to a bud, with no notable semantic expansions or shifts recorded in its usage over time.

Example Sentences Hide

花园里有许多花

Huā yuán lǐ yǒu xǔ duō huā lěi.

There are many flower buds in the garden.

丝连衣裙很漂亮。

Lěi sī lián yī qún hěn piào liang.

The lace dress is very pretty.

她喜欢跳芭舞。

Tā xǐ huān tiào bā lěi wǔ.

She likes to dance ballet.

这些花明天就会开花。

Zhè xiē huā lěi míng tiān jiù huì kāi huā.

These flower buds will bloom tomorrow.

我用丝装饰了我的帽子。

Wǒ yòng lěi sī zhuāng shì le wǒ de mào zi.

I decorated my hat with lace.

舞演员的表演很精彩。

Bā lěi wǔ yǎn yuán de biǎo yǎn hěn jīng cǎi.

The ballet dancer's performance is wonderful.

当花绽放时,春天就来了。

Dāng huā lěi zhàn fàng shí, chūn tiān jiù lái le.

When flower buds bloom, spring arrives.

她穿着丝边裙子去参加芭舞会。

Tā chuān zhe lěi sī biān qún zi qù cān jiā bā lěi wǔ huì.

She wore a lace-edged dress to attend the ballet ball.