葭 (jiā) - Reed — refers to the common reed plant & also used poetically to refer to close relatives

葭Tone 1

jiā ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

佳嘉

葭 · jiā

Reed — refers to the common reed plant (Phragmites australis);

also used poetically to refer to close relatives in classical Chinese.

Reed — refers to the common reed plantalso used poetically to refer to close relatives

Usage highlights

Reed shootsReed membraneReed pipeReed marshReed stalkClose relatives

Synonyms

  • 芦苇— reed (more common modern term)
  • 芦荻— reeds and rushes

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The reeds swayed in the wind (葭草摇曳).
  • We are as close as reeds in the marsh (葭莩之亲).
  • The autumn reeds turn golden (秋日葭苇金黄).
  • Reed pipes produce beautiful music (葭管).

Collocations

  • Reed shoots(葭笋)
  • Reed membrane(葭莩)
  • Reed pipe(葭管)
  • Reed marsh(葭苇)
  • Reed stalk(葭草)
  • Close relatives(葭莩之亲)

Idioms

  • As close as reeds in the marsh — referring to close relatives(葭莩之亲)
  • Reed membrane relationship — distant but connected kinship(葭莩之谊)
  • Reed pipe responds — harmonious relationship(葭管应律)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese poetry, reeds often symbolize autumn, transience, and the passage of time.
  • The character appears in the Book of Songs, China's oldest poetry collection, establishing its literary pedigree.
  • 葭莩 (reed membrane) metaphorically refers to distant relatives — thin connection but still related.
  • Used in traditional Chinese medicine and as material for musical instruments and roofing.

FAQ