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花

huā
nounverbadjective★Beginner— flower
botany

The reproductive structure of angiosperms, typically consisting of colorful petals, sepals, and reproductive organs.

这种花需要充足的阳光才能开放。

This flower needs plenty of sunlight to bloom.

💡

In Chinese, '花' can refer to both the plant part and flowers in general.

general

A flowering plant cultivated for its blooms.

她家阳台上种了很多花。

She grows many flowers on her balcony.

informal

To spend money, especially wastefully or extravagantly.

他这个月又花了很多钱买游戏。

He spent a lot of money on games again this month.

💡

Often used in the phrase '花钱' (huā qián, to spend money).

informal

To use up or consume resources (time, energy, etc.).

这件事花了我整整一个下午。

This thing took up my entire afternoon.

general

Decorative patterns resembling flowers.

这条裙子上有很多漂亮的花纹。

This dress has many beautiful floral patterns.

literary

Fireworks or something resembling them in shape.

节日夜晚,天空中绽放出绚丽的花。

At night during the festival, brilliant fireworks bloomed in the sky.

Collocations

开花to bloom花朵flower花钱to spend money花时间to spend time花心思to put thought into花样pattern; variety花费to cost; expense

Synonyms

花朵花儿花卉

Antonyms

草树

Related Phrases

花好月圆idiom
perfect conjugal bliss; a harmonious and beautiful scene
走马观花idiom
to give a hurried and superficial look
花前月下phrase
romantic setting under flowers and moonlight
花枝招展phrase
to be gorgeously dressed (often used for women)

💡Pro Tip

Distinguishing '花' as noun vs. verb

When '花' is a noun, it typically appears with measure words like '朵' (duǒ) or '枝' (zhī). As a verb, it often follows '花钱' (huā qián) or '花时间' (huā shíjiān).

⚡Gold Rule

Cultural symbolism of flowers

Different flowers carry distinct cultural meanings in Chinese contexts. For instance, chrysanthemums symbolize autumn and nobility, while lotuses represent purity and enlightenment.

📖Word Origin

The character '花' originated from the ancient Chinese word for 'flower.' It combines the radical '艹' (grass) with '化' (to change), suggesting the transformative nature of blooming. The modern form evolved from the seal script during the Qin and Han dynasties.

📝Usage Notes

In Chinese culture, flowers often symbolize beauty, transience, and seasons. For example, the plum blossom (梅花) represents resilience, while the peony (牡丹) symbolizes wealth. The verb '花' in spending contexts is colloquial and widely used in daily speech.

Word Breakdown

艹 (cǎo)
grass radical, indicating plant-related meaning
radical
+
化 (huà)
to change; transform
character
汉英词典

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