Learn a Chinese Character - 芳

1. Character Basics

Radical: 艹 (Grass radical)

Stroke Count: 7 (Number of strokes: 7)

Structure Analysis: 形声字，从艹（草本）从方（fāng，表音）。本义指花草香气（如"芳香"），现指美好事物（如"流芳"）(Phonetic-semantic: "艹" (grass) + "方" (phonetic). Originally meant "floral scent", now means "virtuous reputation".)

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Fāng (First tone)

3. Meaning

Fragrant; aromatic; sweet-smelling; virtuous; beautiful; excellent reputation; maiden's name (polite term).

4. Common Words

• 芳香 (fāng xiāng) Fragrance
• 芳名 (fāng míng) Good reputation
• 芳草 (fāng cǎo) Fragrant grass
• 流芳 (liú fāng) Leave a good name

5. Grammar & Usage

The character 芳 (fāng) is primarily used as an adjective to describe fragrance or beauty, and also as a noun to refer to a good reputation or a polite way to refer to a young woman's name.

• As an adjective: 芳香 (fragrant), 芬芳 (sweet-scented)
• As a noun: 芳名 (maiden's name), 芳踪 (whereabouts of a beautiful woman)
• In literary expressions: 芳龄 (maiden's age), 芳心 (a young woman's heart)

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, 芳 (fāng) is often associated with beauty, virtue, and positive qualities. It is commonly used in poetry and literature to describe flowers, natural scents, and the beauty of young women.

The phrase "流芳百世" (liú fāng bǎi shì) meaning "to leave a fragrant name for a hundred generations" is often used to praise someone who has made significant contributions to society and will be remembered for a long time.

Additionally, 芳 (fāng) is sometimes used as a polite way to refer to aspects related to women, such as "芳名" (fāng míng) for a maiden's name or "芳龄" (fāng líng) for a maiden's age.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Combine "艹" (grass) + "方" (square) → Fragrant herbs in square garden beds. 组合"艹"+"方"→ 方形花圃中的芳香草本植物。