莲 (lián) - Lotus — an aquatic plant with large pink

莲Tone 2

lián ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

莲 · lián

Lotus — an aquatic plant with large pink or white flowers that grows in water, symbolizing purity, beauty, and enlightenment in Chinese culture.

Lotus — an aquatic plant with large pink

Usage highlights

Lotus flowerLotus rootLotus seedLotus leafLotus pondLotus throne

Synonyms

  • 荷— Lotus (alternative character for the same plant)
  • 芙蓉— Lotus (literary term)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The lotus flower blooms in the pond (莲花).
  • Lotus root is a popular vegetable in Chinese cuisine (莲藕).
  • She has a name that means lotus (莲).
  • The lotus position is used in meditation (莲花坐).

Collocations

  • Lotus flower(莲花)
  • Lotus root(莲藕)
  • Lotus seed(莲子)
  • Lotus leaf(莲叶)
  • Lotus pond(莲池)
  • Lotus throne(莲座)

Idioms

  • Step by step, the lotus blossoms(步步生莲)
  • Lotus emerges unstained from mud(出淤泥而不染)
  • Three steps, one lotus(三步一莲)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, as it rises clean from muddy waters.
  • The lotus is one of the 'Four Gentlemen' in Chinese art and literature, representing summer.
  • Lotus seeds and roots are important in Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine.

FAQ