蕾 (lěi) - Bud & flower bud

蕾Tone 3

lěi ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

蕾 · lěi

Bud;

flower bud;

unopened flower;

often used metaphorically for youth, potential, or something about to bloom.

Budflower budunopened flower

Usage highlights

Flower budRose budBuddingBud stageCotton budBud burst

Synonyms

  • 苞— bud; bract (more botanical)
  • 蕊— stamen; pistil (flower reproductive parts)

Antonyms

  • 花— flower (bloomed vs. bud)
  • 落— fall; wither (blooming vs. fading)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The rose bud is about to bloom (玫瑰花蕾).
  • She is like a budding flower (花蕾般的少女).
  • The plant produced many buds (植物长出了许多花蕾).
  • A bud of hope (希望的蓓蕾).

Collocations

  • Flower bud(花蕾)
  • Rose bud(玫瑰花蕾)
  • Budding(蓓蕾)
  • Bud stage(蕾期)
  • Cotton bud(棉蕾)
  • Bud burst(蕾裂)

Idioms

  • Budding talent, ready to bloom(含苞待放)
  • From bud to bloom(蓓蕾初绽)
  • A bud in the cold(寒蕾)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, flower buds symbolize youth, potential, and the promise of future beauty or success.
  • Commonly used in feminine names to represent delicacy, freshness, and the blossoming of a young woman.
  • The character appears in literary works to evoke imagery of spring, growth, and new beginnings.

FAQ