人参
rénshēn
The Chinese word for ginseng is 人参 (rénshēn).
人参 is used to refer to the root of the ginseng plant or its extract.
Meaning: root of such a plant, or the extract (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 人参 is a combination of 人 (rén), meaning 'person' or 'human' and 参 (shēn), meaning 'ginseng' or 'participate'. This refers to the resemblance of the root to a human body.
Which one should you use?
人参 is the standard term for ginseng, while 高丽参 is a specific term used to refer to Korean ginseng.
How do you pronounce it?
rénshēn
Did you know?
- In certain Chinese folk beliefs, the growth of 人参 was once thought to be guarded by spirits who would only reveal the plant to the pure-hearted.
- Chinese culture distinguishes between 人参 and 西洋参, the latter being American ginseng, which is believed to have 'cooling' properties unlike the 'heating' effect of Asian ginseng.
- In ancient China, wild 人参 was so prized that it was often used as a form of currency or as a high-status gift for the emperor.
Examples in context
- 我听说人参对健康有很多好处。I've heard that ginseng has many health benefits.
- 我从韩国带回了一些高丽参。I brought back some Korean ginseng from South Korea.
- 这种人参很贵。Zhè zhǒng rénshēn hěn guì.This kind of ginseng is very expensive.
- 我想买点人参。Wǒ xiǎng mǎi diǎn rénshēn.I want to buy some ginseng.
- 医生建议喝人参汤。Yīshēng jiànyì hē rénshēn tāng.The doctor suggested drinking ginseng soup.
Example conversation
Jiayi and Haoran are at a traditional health store.
- 佳怡 Jiayi浩然，你看这个人参怎么样？Hàorán, nǐ kàn zhè ge rénshēn zěnmeyàng?Haoran, what do you think of this ginseng?
- 浩然 Haoran看起来质量非常好。Kàn qǐlái zhìliàng fēicháng hǎo.It looks like the quality is very high.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我要买一根送给爷爷。Wǒ yào mǎi yī gēn sòng gěi yéye.I want to buy one root for my grandfather.
- 浩然 Haoran他一定会很高兴的。Tā yīdìng huì hěn gāoxìng de.He will definitely be very happy.
