cǎo
nounBeginner
general

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.

informal

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.

slang

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.

Collocations

草地grassland草稿draft野草weeds

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

割草phrase
to mow the grass
草率phrase
hasty or careless

💡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.

Word Breakdown

grass or plant
root
汉英词典