椿 (chūn) - Chinese Toon tree (Toona sinensis) & tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

椿Tone 1

chūn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

椿 · chūn

Chinese Toon tree (Toona sinensis);

tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima);

metaphor for longevity and father;

used in names to signify long life and vitality.

Chinese Toon tree (Toona sinensis)tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)metaphor for longevity and father

Usage highlights

Chinese toon treeToon shootsFragrant toonLongevity of toonGreat toonToon and juniper

Synonyms

  • 寿— longevity (sharing the longevity symbolism)
  • 松— pine tree (also symbolizes longevity)

Antonyms

  • 夭— die young (antonym to longevity symbolism)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The Chinese toon tree (椿树) is valued for its edible leaves.
  • In traditional culture, the tree symbolizes longevity (椿龄).
  • This dish uses fragrant toon shoots (香椿芽).
  • The ancient tree was called a great toon (大椿) in classics.

Collocations

  • Chinese toon tree(椿树)
  • Toon shoots(椿芽)
  • Fragrant toon(香椿)
  • Longevity of toon(椿龄)
  • Great toon(大椿)
  • Toon and juniper(椿萱)

Idioms

  • Toon and juniper both age (椿萱并茂) — parents in good health
  • Age of the great toon (椿龄) — wish for long life
  • Toon years and cypress month (椿年柏月) — longevity

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Zhuangzi, the great toon (大椿) had a lifespan of thousands of years, making it a symbol of longevity.
  • The pair 'toon and juniper' (椿萱) metaphorically represents father (toon) and mother (juniper).
  • Toon shoots (香椿) are a traditional culinary ingredient in northern China.

FAQ