柏 (bǎi) - Cypress tree & cedar

柏Tone 3

bǎi ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

柏 · bǎi

Cypress tree;

cedar;

a surname;

also used in transliterations.

Cypress treecedara surname

Usage highlights

Cypress treeBerlinCedar woodPlatycladus orientalisCypress groveBai surname

Synonyms

  • 松— pine tree (similar symbolic meaning)
  • 桧— juniper (another coniferous tree)

Antonyms

  • 柳— willow (contrasting tree symbolism: flexibility vs. steadfastness)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The cypress tree is evergreen (柏树).
  • Berlin is transliterated as 柏林.
  • He has the surname Bai (柏先生).
  • Cedar wood is used for furniture (柏木家具).

Collocations

  • Cypress tree(柏树)
  • Berlin(柏林)
  • Cedar wood(柏木)
  • Platycladus orientalis(侧柏)
  • Cypress grove(柏树林)
  • Bai surname(柏姓)

Idioms

  • Pine and cypress showing integrity after winter(松柏后凋)
  • Cypress boat(柏舟)
  • Luxuriant cypress(柏之夭夭)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The cypress symbolizes longevity, integrity, and resilience in Chinese culture, often paired with pine in poetry.
  • Used in ancestral worship and temple construction for its durability and solemn appearance.
  • The surname Bai (柏) traces back to ancient official titles or place names.

FAQ