柊 (zhōng) - Holly olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus) & also used in Japanese names and terms.

柊Tone 1

zhōng ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 木

志

柊 · zhōng

Holly olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus);

also used in Japanese names and terms.

Holly olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus)also used in Japanese names and terms.

Usage highlights

Holly olive treeJapanese hollyHiiragiOsmanthus heterophyllusChristmas hollySpiny leaves

Synonyms

  • 刺桂— Spiny osmanthus (alternative Chinese name)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The holly olive tree (柊树) has spiny leaves.
  • This is a Japanese surname (柊 as surname).
  • The plant blooms in autumn (柊树开花).
  • Used in place names like Tokyo's Hiiragi district (柊地区).

Collocations

  • Holly olive tree(柊树)
  • Japanese holly(柊木)
  • Hiiragi(柊 as Japanese name)
  • Osmanthus heterophyllus(柊叶)
  • Christmas holly(圣诞柊)
  • Spiny leaves(柊叶)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Japan, 柊 (hiiragi) is associated with protection; its spiky leaves were believed to ward off evil spirits.
  • The character is more commonly used in Japanese contexts than in Chinese, though it appears in botanical names.

FAQ