藹 (ǎi) - Friendly, amiable, genial & lush, luxuriant (of vegetation)

藹Tone 3

ǎi ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

安

藹 · ǎi

Friendly, amiable, genial;

lush, luxuriant (of vegetation);

also used in classical Chinese as a respectful term for addressing elders or superiors.

Friendly, amiable, geniallush, luxuriant (of vegetation)also used in classical Chinese as a respectful

Usage highlights

Kind and amiableAmiable and approachableRespectful and genialVenerable elderLuxuriant vegetationFriendly conversation

Synonyms

  • 和— harmonious, gentle
  • 善— kind, good
  • 睦— amicable, harmonious

Antonyms

  • 凶— fierce, cruel
  • 厉— stern, harsh

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He has a kind and amiable personality (和蔼可亲).
  • The professor is a venerable and respected elder (蔼然长者).
  • The vegetation in the garden is lush and green (林木蓊蔼).

Collocations

  • Kind and amiable(和蔼)
  • Amiable and approachable(和蔼可亲)
  • Respectful and genial(蔼然)
  • Venerable elder(蔼然长者)
  • Luxuriant vegetation(蓊蔼)
  • Friendly conversation(蔼蔼)

Idioms

  • Kind and amiable(和蔼可亲)
  • With a genial and respectful demeanor(蔼然仁者)
  • Clouds gathering thickly(烟霭茫茫)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character conveys a sense of gentle kindness and approachability, highly valued in Confucian interpersonal ethics.
  • In classical usage, it was employed as a term of respect when addressing elders or people of high status.
  • The 'grass' radical (艹) also connects it to meanings of lushness and flourishing plant life.

FAQ