Chinese Character: 棉
1. Character Basics
Radical: 纟 (sī) - Silk radical
Stroke Count: 12 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: mián (Second tone)
3. Meaning
Cotton; cotton plant; cotton fabric; made of cotton
4. Common Words
- 棉花 (miánhuā) - cotton
- 棉被 (miánbèi) - cotton quilt
- 棉衣 (miányī) - cotton-padded clothes
- 棉线 (miánxiàn) - cotton thread
- 棉纱 (miánshā) - cotton yarn
- 棉纺 (miánfǎng) - cotton spinning
- 棉袄 (mián'ǎo) - cotton-padded jacket
- 棉絮 (miánxù) - cotton batting
5. Grammar & Usage
The character \u0022棉\u0022 is primarily used as a noun to refer to cotton or cotton-related materials. It is often combined with other characters to form compound nouns. For example, \u0022棉花\u0022 (miánhuā) means \u0022cotton\u0022, \u0022棉被\u0022 (miánbèi) means \u0022cotton quilt\u0022, and \u0022棉衣\u0022 (miányī) means \u0022cotton-padded clothes\u0022. In these compounds, \u0022棉\u0022 typically appears before another character to specify that the item is made of or related to cotton. It can also be used in phrases like \u0022纯棉\u0022 (chúnmián) meaning \u0022100% cotton\u0022 or \u0022棉制品\u0022 (miánzhìpǐn) meaning \u0022cotton products\u0022.
6. Cultural Background
Cotton has a long history in Chinese culture and economy. The cultivation of cotton in China dates back to ancient times and has played a significant role in the country's textile industry. In traditional Chinese culture, cotton is valued for its practicality, comfort, and warmth, making it an essential material for clothing and bedding, especially in northern China where winters can be very cold. Cotton also holds symbolic meanings, representing simplicity, purity, and homeliness. The character \u0022棉\u0022 is often used in traditional idioms and sayings related to daily life and agriculture, reflecting its importance in Chinese society.
7. Example Sentence
这件棉衣很保暖，适合冬天穿。
This cotton-padded coat is very warm and suitable for winter wear.
8. Memory Tips
The character \u0022棉\u0022 is composed of the radical \u0022纟\u0022 (sī) meaning \u0022silk\u0022 and the character \u0022帛\u0022 (bó) meaning \u0022silk fabric\u0022 on the left, and the character \u0022白\u0022 (bái) meaning \u0022white\u0022 on the right. This combination represents white, soft, cotton-like material. To remember the pronunciation \u0022mián\u0022, you can associate it with similar-sounding words like \u0022绵\u0022 (mián) meaning \u0022soft\u0022 or \u0022眠\u0022 (mián) meaning \u0022sleep\u0022. Visualizing white cotton or a cotton field can help you remember the meaning of \u0022棉\u0022. Additionally, think of everyday objects made of cotton, such as \u0022棉衣\u0022 (miányī) meaning \u0022cotton-padded clothes\u0022 or \u0022棉被\u0022 (miánbèi) meaning \u0022cotton quilt\u0022 to reinforce the concept.