葦 (wěi) - Reed — a tall, slender-leaved plant of the & also used metaphorically for something common or fragile.

葦Tone 3

wěi ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

葦 · wěi

Reed — a tall, slender-leaved plant of the grass family that grows in wetlands;

also used metaphorically for something common or fragile.

Reed — a tall, slender-leaved plant of thealso used metaphorically for something common or fragile.

Usage highlights

ReedReed marshReed fluteReed matReed pipeReed bed

Synonyms

  • 芦苇— reed (same plant)
  • 芦— reed (shorter form)

Antonyms

  • 松— pine tree (symbol of strength vs. reed's flexibility)
  • 石— stone (solid vs. fragile)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The reeds sway in the wind (芦苇在风中摇曳).
  • He made a flute from a reed (他用芦苇做了一支笛子).
  • A reed boat (芦苇船) is used in some traditional cultures.
  • The sound of wind through the reeds (风吹芦苇的声音) is very soothing.

Collocations

  • Reed(芦苇)
  • Reed marsh(芦苇荡)
  • Reed flute(芦笛)
  • Reed mat(苇席)
  • Reed pipe(苇管)
  • Reed bed(苇丛)

Idioms

  • A wall made of reeds cannot withstand the wind(芦苇之墙，不堪风吹)
  • Like a reed bending in the wind(如芦苇随风)
  • A single reed cannot make a sound(独苇不鸣)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Reeds are commonly found in Chinese wetlands and are associated with resilience and flexibility in traditional symbolism.
  • In literature, reeds often evoke imagery of autumn, solitude, and the rustic countryside.
  • Reed instruments have a long history in Chinese folk music.

FAQ