樗 (chū) - Ailanthus altissima — the tree of heaven, a & also refers to the paper mulberry tree. Often

樗Tone 1

chū ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

樗 · chū

Ailanthus altissima — the tree of heaven, a fast-growing deciduous tree;

also refers to the paper mulberry tree.

Often used metaphorically to describe something useless or worthless.

Ailanthus altissima — the tree of heaven, aalso refers to the paper mulberry tree. Often

Usage highlights

Ailanthus treePaper mulberryUseless treeAilanthus barkWorthless woodZhuangzi's ailanthus

Synonyms

  • 臭椿— Tree of heaven (common name for ailanthus)
  • 无用— Useless, worthless

Antonyms

  • 有用— Useful, valuable
  • 良材— Good timber, talented person

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ailanthus tree (樗树) grows rapidly in urban environments.
  • In ancient texts, it was considered a useless tree (樗木).
  • Paper mulberry bark (樗皮) was used in traditional papermaking.
  • Zhuangzi used the ailanthus as a metaphor for uselessness (樗树之喻).

Collocations

  • Ailanthus tree(樗树)
  • Paper mulberry(樗木)
  • Useless tree(樗材)
  • Ailanthus bark(樗皮)
  • Worthless wood(樗栎)
  • Zhuangzi's ailanthus(庄周樗)

Idioms

  • Useless as an ailanthus tree(樗栎庸材)
  • The ailanthus and the oak(樗栎之材)
  • Zhuangzi's useless tree(庄周之樗)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Frequently mentioned in classical Chinese literature as a symbol of uselessness or mediocrity.
  • Zhuangzi used the ailanthus tree to illustrate the Daoist concept of 'useful uselessness'.
  • Despite its negative connotations, the tree is resilient and adaptable in nature.
  • The character appears in botanical and medical texts for its practical uses despite its metaphorical meaning.

FAQ