藺 (lìn) - Lìn — a type of rush plant used & also a Chinese surname, famously associated with Lin

藺Tone 4

lìn ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

藺 · lìn

Lìn — a type of rush plant used for making mats;

also a Chinese surname, famously associated with Lin Xiangru, a statesman of the Warring States period.

Lìn — a type of rush plant usedalso a Chinese surname, famously associated with Lin

Usage highlights

Lin surnamerush grassLin Xiangrurush matrush weaving

Synonyms

  • 蔺草— rush grass (the plant)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The Lin surname is written as 藺 (Lìn).
  • Mats were traditionally woven from rush plants (藺草).
  • Lin Xiangru (藺相如) was a famous diplomat from the Zhao state.
  • The story of Lin Xiangru and Lian Po (藺相如與廉頗) exemplifies reconciliation.

Collocations

  • Lin surname(藺姓)
  • rush grass(藺草)
  • Lin Xiangru(藺相如)
  • rush mat(藺席)
  • rush weaving(藺編)

Idioms

  • Carrying brambles to ask for punishment (負荊請罪) — from the story of Lian Po apologizing to Lin Xiangru
  • The Complete Return of the Jade to Zhao (完璧歸趙) — Lin Xiangru's diplomatic success

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character originally referred to a type of rush plant used in traditional crafts like mat weaving.
  • Gained prominence as a surname through Lin Xiangru, a renowned statesman and diplomat of the Zhao state during the Warring States period.
  • The stories of Lin Xiangru, particularly 'Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao' and 'Bearing Thorned Rods to Ask for Punishment,' are celebrated in Chinese culture as exemplars of wisdom, courage, and reconciliation.

FAQ