兰花
lánhuā
The English word "orchid" is translated into Chinese as 兰花 (lánhuā).
兰花 is the noun used to refer to the orchid plant.
Meaning: plant (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two parts: 兰 (lán), meaning orchid and 花 (huā), meaning flower.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the term for orchid is written as 蘭花.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is lánhuā.
Did you know?
- The fragrance of the 兰花 is traditionally associated with the 'hidden' virtue of a scholar who remains noble even when no one is watching.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the 兰花 is one of the 'Four Gentlemen' plants, alongside the plum blossom, bamboo and chrysanthemum, representing noble character and humility.
- While 兰花 refers to orchids generally, the word 兰 alone is often used in names for perfumes, teas and traditional clothing to signal luxury and refinement.
Examples in context
- 这盆兰花很漂亮。Zhè pén lánhuā hěn piàoliang.This orchid is very beautiful.
- 我喜欢种兰花。Wǒ xǐhuān zhòng lánhuā.I like growing orchids.
- 这里的兰花开花了。Zhèlǐ de lánhuā kāihuā le.The orchids here are blooming.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at flowers in a botanical garden.
- 雨婷 Yuting你看那朵兰花多白。Nǐ kàn nà duǒ lánhuā duō bái.Look how white that orchid is.
- 伟 Wei它真的很优雅。Tā zhēn de hěn yōuyǎ.It is truly elegant.
- 雨婷 Yuting你也喜欢这种花吗？Nǐ yě xǐhuān zhè zhǒng huā ma?Do you like this kind of flower too?
- 伟 Wei是的，我非常喜欢。Shì de, wǒ fēicháng xǐhuān.Yes, I like them very much.
