草
公园里有很多绿色的草。
There is a lot of green grass in the park.
Grass or any plant with narrow leaves growing close to the ground.
春天的时候，草地变得非常柔软。
In spring, the grass becomes very soft.
Can also refer to plants in general in some contexts.
A draft or rough version of a document or plan.
我需要先写一个草稿，再正式写报告。
I need to write a draft first before writing the formal report.
Commonly used in writing and planning contexts.
A slang term for marijuana.
他经常在网上讨论关于草的问题。
He often discusses marijuana issues online.
Used in informal contexts, especially among younger people.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 草 heavily depends on the context. In nature, it refers to grass, while in writing, it can mean a draft.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
When 草 is used in a natural setting, it means grass. In a writing or planning context, it refers to a draft.
Word Origin
The character 草 is derived from the radical 草 (cǎo), which represents grass or plants. It is one of the earliest characters in Chinese, dating back to the oracle bone script.
Usage Notes
In modern usage, 草 can refer to both literal grass and metaphorical concepts like drafts or marijuana. The context usually clarifies the intended meaning.