荷花
héhuā
The English phrase "lotus flower" is translated into Chinese as 荷花 (héhuā).
荷花 refers to an aquatic plant known for its large, beautiful flowers that rise above the water.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 荷 (hé), meaning lotus and 花 (huā), meaning flower.
Which one should you use?
While 荷花 (héhuā) is a common term, 莲花 (liánhuā) is a very frequent synonym used to refer to the same plant.
How do you pronounce it?
héhuā
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, the lotus flower is a symbol of purity and elegance because it rises clean from the mud.
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese art, if you see a painting of a 'lotus' and a 'peaceful' character together, it is a visual pun. The sounds of 莲 (lián) and 连 (lián), meaning 'continuous', create a wish for 'continuous peace'.
- In Chinese, the lotus is often described as 出淤泥而不染 (chū yūní ér bù rǎn). This idiom translates to 'rising from the mud without being stained' and is used to describe people of high integrity.
- In Chinese Buddhist art and texts, the word 莲花 (liánhuā) is specifically used to describe the 'lotus throne' upon which deities sit, symbolizing a state of enlightenment.
Examples in context
- 这朵莲花很美。This lotus flower is beautiful.
- 莲花象征纯洁。Lotus flowers symbolize purity.
- 我给她买了一束莲花。I bought her a bunch of lotus flowers.
- 这盆荷花的颜色真美。The color of this potted lotus flower is beautiful.
- 睡莲在清澈的水中悠然开放。The water lily blooms leisurely in the clear water.
- 池塘里开满了荷花。Chítáng lǐ kāimǎnle héhuā.The pond is full of lotus flowers.
- 我最喜欢这种荷花。Wǒ zuì xǐhuān zhè zhǒng héhuā.I like this kind of lotus flower most.
- 请看那朵美丽的荷花。Qǐng kàn nà duǒ měilì de héhuā.Please look at that beautiful lotus flower.
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a botanical garden.
- 梓涵 Zihan俊杰，快看那朵荷花！Jùnjié, kuài kàn nà duǒ héhuā!Junjie, look at that lotus flower quickly!
- 俊杰 Junjie真的很漂亮，颜色很淡。Zhēn de hěn piàoliang, yánsè hěn dàn.It is really beautiful, the color is very light.
- 梓涵 Zihan我想在那儿拍张照。Wǒ xiǎng zài nà'er pāi zhāng zhào.I want to take a photo over there.
- 俊杰 Junjie好，我帮你拍吧。Hǎo, wǒ bāng nǐ pāi ba.Okay, I will help you take it.
