马利筋
mǎ lì jīn
The English word milkweed is translated into Chinese as 马利筋 (mǎ lì jīn).
马利筋 is a noun used to refer to plants belonging to the genus Asclepias.
Meaning: plant of the genus Asclepias (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
mǎ lì jīn
Did you know?
- While English speakers call it 'milkweed' because of its sap, the Chinese name 马利筋 focuses on 'tendons' or 'sinews' 筋, referencing its perceived effect on the body's connective tissues.
- In some Chinese-speaking botanical contexts, you might see the name 骆驼蓬 used for related milkweed species, which literally translates to 'camel's hump' plant.
- In Chinese culture, the properties of 马利筋 are often described as 'bitter and cold', which is a specific classification in Traditional Chinese Medicine rather than a description of taste.
Examples in context
- 这种马利筋的花很漂亮。Zhè zhǒng mǎlìjīn de huā hěn piàoliang.The flowers of this milkweed are very beautiful.
- 蝴蝶喜欢在马利筋上产卵。Húdié xǐhuān zài mǎlìjīn shàng chǎnluǎn.Butterflies like to lay eggs on milkweed.
- 他在花园里种了一些马利筋。Tā zài huāyuán lǐ zhòngle yīxiē mǎlìjīn.He planted some milkweed in the garden.
Example conversation
Wei and Zihan are walking through a nature reserve.
- 伟 Wei梓涵，你看那是马利筋吗？Zǐhán, nǐ kàn nà shì mǎlìjīn ma?Zihan, look, is that milkweed?
- 梓涵 Zihan是的，这就是马利筋。Shì de, zhè jiùshì mǎlìjīn.Yes, this is indeed milkweed.
- 伟 Wei它看起来很漂亮。Tā kàn qǐlái hěn piàoliang.It looks very beautiful.
- 梓涵 Zihan而且能吸引很多蝴蝶。Érqiě néng xīyǐn hěnduō húdié.And it can attract many butterflies.
