蘭 (lán) - Orchid — an elegant flowering plant & symbol of nobility, elegance, and friendship in Chinese

蘭Tone 2

lán ｜ 20 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

蘭 · lán

Orchid — an elegant flowering plant;

symbol of nobility, elegance, and friendship in Chinese culture;

used in names to convey refinement and virtue.

Orchid — an elegant flowering plantsymbol of nobility, elegance, and friendship in Chineseused in names to convey refinement and virtue.

Usage highlights

Orchid flowerOrchid PavilionMagnolia orchidOrchid grassOrchid fragranceOrchid Society

Synonyms

  • 兰草— orchid grass
  • 兰花— orchid flower
  • 香草— fragrant grass (similar symbolic meaning)

Antonyms

  • 艾— mugwort (common weed, opposite of noble orchid)
  • 莠— tare/weed (opposite of cultivated elegance)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The orchid blooms in spring (兰花在春天开花).
  • She has an orchid-like elegance (她有兰花般的气质).
  • This painting depicts orchids and bamboo (这幅画描绘了兰竹).
  • Orchid Pavilion is a famous cultural site (兰亭是著名的文化遗址).

Collocations

  • Orchid flower(兰花)
  • Orchid Pavilion(兰亭)
  • Magnolia orchid(玉兰)
  • Orchid grass(兰草)
  • Orchid fragrance(兰香)
  • Orchid Society(兰社)

Idioms

  • Orchid heart and magnolia quality(兰心蕙质)
  • Orchid friendship and jade tree(兰交玉树)
  • Orchid and chrysanthemum compete in fragrance(兰菊竞芳)
  • Orchid dreams(兰梦)
  • Orchid chamber(兰房)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • One of the 'Four Gentlemen' in Chinese art (along with plum, bamboo, and chrysanthemum), representing nobility and refinement.
  • Traditionally associated with Confucian virtues and scholarly elegance.
  • Often used in feminine names to convey grace and moral integrity.
  • The orchid symbolizes lasting friendship and noble character in classical literature.

FAQ