種 / 种
zhòng
The Mandarin verb for 'to plant' is 種 / 种 (zhòng). If unsure, use 種 / 种. Wiktionary also lists 種植 / 种植 (zhòngzhí).
Meaning: to place in soil or other substrate in order that it may live and grow (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 種 / 种 | zhòng |
| 種植 / 种植 | zhòngzhí |
The verb refers to the action of placing something in soil or another substrate so that it may live and grow. While the verb refers to the action, the related noun 植物 is used to refer to the organism itself.
Which one should you use?
The single character 種 / 种 is used to describe the general action of planting. In contrast, the two-character term 種植 / 种植 is a more formal way to refer to the act of planting or cultivation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the character as a verb, it is pronounced in the fourth tone: zhòng. Note that this differs from the word for 'seed', where the first character is pronounced in the third tone.
How do you pronounce it?
zhòng
Did you know?
- The character 種 / 种 shares an ancient phonetic root with words for 'to swell' and 'heel'.
- In Chinese culture, the act of 'planting' is often linked to the concept of 'sowing the seeds' of karma or future luck.
- The term 種 / 种 can be used metaphorically to describe 'planting' an idea or a feeling in someone's mind.
Examples in context
- 这本书介绍了各种植物的生长特征。This book introduces the growth characteristics of various plants.
- 这个植株叶子呈现出鲜艳的绿色。This plant specimen exhibits bright green leaves.
- 最近，我很喜欢研究各种植物 / 花草的栽培方法。Lately, I've been enjoying researching cultivation methods for various plants/flowers.
- 我在家里养了一盆可爱的绿植。I have a cute potted plant at home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plant” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 種, CC BY-SA 4.0.
