Learn a Chinese Character - 槐 (Huái - Pagoda tree (Sophora japonica); a type of deciduous tree native to China)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 木 (mù) - Wood/Tree radical

Stroke Count: 13 strokes

Stroke Order:

Pinyin: Huái (Second tone)

Basic Meaning: Pagoda tree (Sophora japonica)

Extended Meanings: A type of deciduous tree native to China

Additional Notes: Often planted as a shade tree and for its beautiful flowers

槐树 (huái shù): Pagoda tree

Example: 院子里有一棵大槐树。(Yuànzi lǐ yǒu yī kē dà huáishù.) - There is a big pagoda tree in the yard.
槐花 (huái huā): Pagoda tree flowers

Example: 槐花盛开的时候，空气中弥漫着香气。(Huáihuā shèngkāi de shíhòu, kōngqì zhōng mímànzhe xiāngqì.) - When the pagoda tree flowers are in full bloom, the air is filled with fragrance.
槐米 (huái mǐ): Pagoda tree buds (used in traditional Chinese medicine)

Example: 槐米是一种常见的中药材。(Huáimǐ shì yī zhǒng chángjiàn de zhōngyào cái.) - Pagoda tree buds are a common Chinese medicinal herb.
槐树叶 (huái shù yè): Pagoda tree leaves

Example: 槐树叶在秋天会变黄。(Huáishù yè zài qiūtiān huì biàn huáng.) - Pagoda tree leaves turn yellow in autumn.
老槐树 (lǎo huái shù): Old pagoda tree

Example: 村口有一棵老槐树，已经有几百年历史了。(Cūn kǒu yǒu yī kē lǎo huáishù, yǐjīng yǒu jǐ bǎinián lìshǐ le.) - There is an old pagoda tree at the village entrance, which has a history of several hundred years.

Part of Speech: Noun (tree name)

Common Usage: Primarily used to refer to the pagoda tree and related parts

Common Structures:

Usage Notes: Generally used as a noun in compound words related to the pagoda tree

Historical Significance: The pagoda tree has been cultivated in China for thousands of years
Symbolism: Often symbolizes longevity and good fortune in Chinese culture
Medicinal Uses: Various parts of the tree are used in traditional Chinese medicine
Urban Landscaping: Frequently planted in parks and along streets in Chinese cities

Sentence 1: 我们在槐树下乘凉。(Wǒmen zài huáishù xià chéngliáng.) - We enjoy the cool under the pagoda tree.

Sentence 2: 槐花开了，很漂亮。(Huáihuā kāile, hěn piàoliang.) - The pagoda tree flowers are blooming, very beautiful.

Sentence 3: 这棵槐树有很高的观赏价值。(Zhè kē huáishù yǒu hěn gāo de guānshǎng jiàzhí.) - This pagoda tree has high ornamental value.

Break it down: The character consists of 木 (wood/tree) and 鬼 (guǐ, ghost) - think of a tree with a ghost-like appearance
Sound association: "Huái" sounds similar to "why" in English, but with a rising tone
Visual memory: Imagine a tall pagoda tree with green leaves and white flowers
Word association: Connect it with common words like 槐树 (pagoda tree) and 槐花 (pagoda tree flowers)
Cultural connection: Associate it with the traditional Chinese love for this tree