苾 (bì) - Fragrant & aromatic

苾Tone 4

bì ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 艹

傲不

苾 · bì

Fragrant;

aromatic;

sweet-smelling;

used to describe pleasant scents, especially of plants and herbs.

Fragrantaromaticsweet-smelling

Usage highlights

Fragrant and sweetAromatic herbsSweet scentFragrant virtueAromatic sacrificePleasing fragrance

Synonyms

  • 香— fragrant; aromatic
  • 芳— fragrant; sweet-smelling
  • 芬— fragrance; aroma

Antonyms

  • 臭— foul-smelling; stinky
  • 腥— fishy; rank

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The flowers emit a fragrant aroma (苾苾的香气).
  • This herb has a sweet scent (这种草药有苾香).
  • Ancient texts describe the fragrance of sacrifices (古书描述祭祀的苾芬).

Collocations

  • Fragrant and sweet(苾芬)
  • Aromatic herbs(苾草)
  • Sweet scent(苾香)
  • Fragrant virtue(苾德)
  • Aromatic sacrifice(苾祀)
  • Pleasing fragrance(苾苾)

Idioms

  • Fragrant and virtuous(苾苾芬芬)
  • The fragrance of morality(道德之苾)
  • Sweet-smelling herbs(香草苾苾)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese, 苾 often describes the fragrance of sacrificial offerings, linking scent with virtue and ritual purity.
  • The character appears in ancient texts like the Book of Songs (《诗经》) to depict the sweet smell of herbs and ceremonies.
  • In Buddhist contexts, 苾 can refer to the fragrant qualities associated with moral cultivation and spiritual purity.

FAQ