荏 (rěn) - Perilla (a plant) & weak

荏Tone 3

rěn ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 艹

仁荣

荏 · rěn

Perilla (a plant);

weak;

soft;

pliable;

fleeting (of time).

Perilla (a plant)weaksoft

Usage highlights

Perilla plantPerilla seedPerilla oilFleeting timeWeak and softWeak character

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Perilla leaves are used in Korean cuisine (荏子).
  • Time passes swiftly (光阴荏苒).
  • He appears strong but is actually weak (色厉内荏).

Collocations

  • Perilla plant(荏草)
  • Perilla seed(荏子)
  • Perilla oil(荏油)
  • Fleeting time(荏苒)
  • Weak and soft(荏弱)
  • Weak character(荏弱之人)

Idioms

  • Fierce in appearance but weak inside(色厉内荏)
  • Time passes swiftly(光阴荏苒)
  • Weak and indecisive(荏弱无能)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the perilla plant, used for oil and seasoning.
  • Metaphorically extended to describe weakness and pliability in character.
  • Used in classical literature to depict the swift passage of time.

FAQ