茎

• Pinyin: jīng
• Hanzi breakdown: 茎 = 艹 (grass/plant radical) + 巠 (phonetic) — stem, stalk

Meaning

Stem; stalk. The main structural axis of a plant that supports leaves and flowers.

A botanical term for the stem or stalk of plants. Used in biology, agriculture, and everyday descriptions of plants. Can also appear in compound words like 根茎 (rhizome) or 茎叶 (stem and leaves).

Examples

1. 这种植物的茎可以长到两米高。 The stem of this plant can grow up to two meters tall.
2. 把花的茎斜着剪，可以让花保鲜更久。 Cutting the flower stem at an angle can keep the flower fresh longer.
3. 蚜虫常常聚集在植物的嫩茎上。 Aphids often gather on the tender stems of plants.

Usage Guide

Context: botany, gardening, biology

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 植物的茎。(The stem of a plant.)
• 茎叶茂盛。(Lush stems and leaves.)

Don't Say

• 树的茎 (Don't use 茎 for tree trunks — use 树干 instead; 茎 is for herbaceous plants)

Origin & History

A pictophonetic character with 艹 (grass radical) indicating plants and 巠 as the phonetic component. Originally depicted a plant stalk.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal