葵 (kuí) - Sunflower — a flowering plant that turns toward & also refers to certain plants in the Malvaceae

葵Tone 2

kuí ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

葵 · kuí

Sunflower — a flowering plant that turns toward the sun;

also refers to certain plants in the Malvaceae family;

metaphorically represents adoration, loyalty, and brightness.

Sunflower — a flowering plant that turns towardalso refers to certain plants in the Malvaceaemetaphorically represents adoration, loyalty, and brightness.

Usage highlights

SunflowerSunflower seedsSunflower oilHollyhockMallowPurslane

Synonyms

  • 向日葵— Sunflower (the common term)
  • 朝阳花— Sun-facing flower (alternative name for sunflower)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sunflower (向日葵) always faces the sun.
  • She received a bouquet of sunflowers (葵花).
  • This oil is made from sunflower seeds (葵花籽).
  • The garden is full of hollyhocks (蜀葵).

Collocations

  • Sunflower(向日葵)
  • Sunflower seeds(葵花籽)
  • Sunflower oil(葵花油)
  • Hollyhock(蜀葵)
  • Mallow(锦葵)
  • Purslane(马齿苋葵)

Idioms

  • The sunflower turns toward the sun(葵藿倾阳)
  • Loyal heart facing the sun(葵心向日)
  • Like sunflowers gazing at the sun(葵花向日)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the sunflower symbolizes loyalty and steadfast devotion, as it follows the sun's movement.
  • The character 葵 appears in classical poetry to represent admiration for rulers or virtuous figures.
  • Sunflower seeds are a popular snack in China, often shared during social gatherings and festivals.

FAQ