馨 (xīn) - Fragrance, aroma & distant fragrance

馨Tone 1

xīn ｜ 20 strokes ｜ radical:

想信

馨 · xīn

Fragrance, aroma;

distant fragrance;

widespread reputation;

virtuous reputation.

Fragrance, aromadistant fragrancewidespread reputation

Usage highlights

FragranceVirtuous reputationDistant fragranceElegant fragranceFragrant orchidFragrant reputation

Synonyms

  • 香— fragrant, aroma
  • 芳— fragrant, virtuous
  • 馥— strong fragrance

Antonyms

  • 臭— stinky, foul odor
  • 恶— evil, wicked

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The fragrance of flowers fills the room (满室馨香).
  • Her virtuous reputation is widely known (德馨远播).
  • This tea has a delicate aroma (茶有清馨).
  • The ancient temple exudes an antique fragrance (古寺幽馨).

Collocations

  • Fragrance(馨香)
  • Virtuous reputation(德馨)
  • Distant fragrance(远馨)
  • Elegant fragrance(清馨)
  • Fragrant orchid(馨兰)
  • Fragrant reputation(馨誉)

Idioms

  • The room is filled with fragrance(满室馨香)
  • Virtue spreads its fragrance(德馨远播)
  • Fragrant name endures for centuries(馨名永传)
  • Like orchids in an empty valley, their fragrance unnoticed(空谷幽馨)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally described the distant spread of fragrance, later extended metaphorically to virtuous reputation that spreads widely.
  • Frequently used in classical literature to praise virtuous women and scholars with noble character.
  • In traditional culture, '馨' represents the ideal that virtue should be as pervasive and pleasing as fragrance.

FAQ