蕸 (xiá) - Water-lily leaf & lotus leaf

蕸Tone 2

xiá ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

蕸 · xiá

Water-lily leaf;

lotus leaf;

specifically refers to the large floating leaves of aquatic plants like lotus.

Water-lily leaflotus leafspecifically refers to the large floating leaves of

Usage highlights

Lotus leafWater plant leafFloating 蕸Broad 蕸Green 蕸Dew on 蕸

Synonyms

  • 荷叶— lotus leaf (common term)
  • 莲叶— lotus leaf (alternative)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The lotus leaf (荷叶) is also called 蕸 in classical texts.
  • Water lily leaves (睡莲叶) floating on the pond are 蕸.
  • In botany, 蕸 denotes the large aquatic plant leaves.
  • The poem describes 蕸 shielding the frogs from rain.

Collocations

  • Lotus leaf(荷蕸)
  • Water plant leaf(水蕸)
  • Floating 蕸(浮蕸)
  • Broad 蕸(阔蕸)
  • Green 蕸(碧蕸)
  • Dew on 蕸(蕸露)

Idioms

  • Lotus leaves joining endlessly(荷蕸接天)
  • 蕸 as umbrella for the rain(以蕸为笠)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in classical Chinese poetry and botanical descriptions, evoking natural imagery of ponds and lakes.
  • Associated with purity and resilience in Chinese culture, as lotus leaves remain clean despite growing in mud.
  • Used metaphorically for protection or shelter, as large leaves provide shade and cover for aquatic life.

FAQ