薰 (xūn) - A fragrant plant & to perfume

薰Tone 1

xūn ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

薰 · xūn

A fragrant plant;

to perfume;

to smoke;

to cure with smoke;

also refers to the herb basil.

A fragrant plantto perfumeto smoke

Usage highlights

Fragrant grassIncense burnerSmoked fishPerfuming clothesAromatic teaBasil plant

Synonyms

  • 香— fragrant; incense
  • 芳— fragrant; aromatic

Antonyms

  • 臭— smelly; foul odor

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The room was filled with the scent of sandalwood incense (薰香).
  • She used aromatic herbs to perfume her clothes (薰衣).
  • This tea has a light, fragrant aroma (薰味).
  • They smoke fish to preserve it (薰鱼).

Collocations

  • Fragrant grass(薰草)
  • Incense burner(薰炉)
  • Smoked fish(薰鱼)
  • Perfuming clothes(薰衣)
  • Aromatic tea(薰茶)
  • Basil plant(薰植物)

Idioms

  • Virtue influences like fragrance(薰德)
  • The influence of good surroundings(如入芝兰之室，久而不闻其香)
  • To be nurtured in a refined environment(熏陶)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, fragrant herbs like basil were used in rituals and daily life for their pleasant aroma.
  • The character appears in classical texts describing the positive influence of virtue and good environment.
  • Used in traditional medicine and culinary practices for its aromatic properties.

FAQ