Definitions

huì Coumarouna odorata

Etymology phono-semantic

plant

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 蕙 is a phono-semantic compound used in botany to denote a specific fragrant orchid. Its top component, the semantic grass radical 艹, classifies it among herbaceous plants. The lower part, 惠, primarily provides the phonetic element for pronunciation, while its inherent meaning of "favor" or "kindness" contributes to the flower's positive cultural associations. In classical literature, this orchid is often referenced alongside other fragrant plants to symbolize purity, moral integrity, and refined elegance, making the character a popular choice in poetic descriptions of virtuous individuals. Botanically, it refers to orchids that produce multiple flowers on a single stem, distinguishing it from other varieties in the Chinese lexicon.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Spring and Autumn (~600 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

今天很高兴。

Xiǎo Huì jīntiān hěn gāoxìng.

Xiao Hui is very happy today.

兰是一种兰花。

Huìlán shì yī zhǒng lánhuā.

Huilan is a type of orchid.

我买了一盆兰。

Wǒ mǎi le yī pén huìlán.

I bought a pot of huilan.

这朵兰非常漂亮。

Zhè duǒ huìlán fēichāng piàoliang.

This huilan flower is very beautiful.

因为兰很香,所以我喜欢它。

Yīnwèi huìlán hěn xiāng, suǒyǐ wǒ xǐhuān tā.

Because huilan is very fragrant, I like it.

妈妈在花园里种了兰。

Māma zài huāyuán lǐ zhòng le huìlán.

Mom planted huilan in the garden.

如果你细心照料,兰就会开花。

Rúguǒ nǐ xìxīn zhàoliào, huìlán jiù huì kāi huā.

If you take care of it carefully, huilan will bloom.

兰的优雅气质令人赞叹。

Huìlán de yōuyǎ qìzhì lìng rén zàntàn.

The elegant temperament of huilan is admirable.