种子

• Pinyin: zhǒng zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 种 = 禾 (grain) + 中 (middle); 子 = pictograph of a child, here used as a diminutive suffix

Meaning

Seed. The small embryonic plant enclosed in a covering, from which a new plant can grow.

Literally refers to plant seeds used in agriculture and gardening. Also used figuratively to mean the beginning or origin of something (希望的种子, seeds of hope). In sports, 种子选手 refers to a seeded player. Common in both everyday agricultural contexts and metaphorical expressions about potential and growth.

Examples

1. 春天到了，农民开始种种子。 Spring has arrived and the farmers begin to sow seeds.
2. 这些花的种子很小。 The seeds of these flowers are very small.
3. 好的教育就像播下了知识的种子。 Good education is like sowing the seeds of knowledge.

Usage Guide

Context: agriculture, nature, figurative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我买了一些花的种子。(I bought some flower seeds.)
• 这颗种子会长成一棵大树。(This seed will grow into a big tree.)

Don't Say

• 这个种子味道很好。(Don't confuse 种子 with edible nuts or grains — 种子 are for planting; use 坚果 or 瓜子 for edible seeds)

Origin & History

种 (seed, type) + 子 (suffix for small objects). 种 itself combines 禾 (grain) and 中 (centre), depicting the seed at the core of grain.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal