楠 (nán) - Nanmu — refers to the Phoebe zhennan tree, & often used metaphorically for pillars of society or

楠Tone 2

nán ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

梁榕

楠 · nán

Nanmu — refers to the Phoebe zhennan tree, a type of precious hardwood in East Asia known for its durability, fine grain, and pleasant fragrance;

often used metaphorically for pillars of society or valuable talents.

Nanmu — refers to the Phoebe zhennan tree,often used metaphorically for pillars of society or

Usage highlights

Nanmu woodPhoebe zhennanGoldenNanmu furnitureNanmu pillarNanmu fragrance

Synonyms

  • 桢楠— Zhennan (another name for Phoebe zhennan)
  • 樟楠— Camphor-nanmu (sometimes used collectively for aromatic woods)

Antonyms

  • 蒲柳— Water willow (metaphor for frailty or early aging)
  • 朽木— Rotten wood (metaphor for uselessness)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This antique furniture is made of nanmu wood (楠木).
  • The ancestral hall was built with sturdy nanmu pillars (楠木柱子).
  • He is a pillar of talent for the country (国家的栋梁之材).
  • The nanmu tree emits a subtle fragrance (楠木散发幽香).

Collocations

  • Nanmu wood(楠木)
  • Phoebe zhennan(桢楠)
  • Golden-thread nanmu(金丝楠木)
  • Nanmu furniture(楠木家具)
  • Nanmu pillar(楠木柱)
  • Nanmu fragrance(楠木香)

Idioms

  • Nanmu pillar and rafter(楠木栋梁)
  • Golden-thread nanmu(金丝楠木)
  • As solid as nanmu(坚如楠木)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Nanmu wood was historically reserved for imperial palaces, temples, and elite furniture due to its durability, resistance to decay, and aromatic qualities.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, nanmu symbolizes nobility, steadfastness, and exceptional talent, often used metaphorically for pillars of state or indispensable individuals.
  • The most prized variety is 'golden-thread nanmu' (金丝楠木), characterized by a distinctive golden shimmer in the grain, used extensively in Ming and Qing dynasty imperial construction.

FAQ