丝兰
sīlán
The English word "yucca" is translated into Mandarin as 丝兰 (sīlán).
丝兰 is a noun used to refer to the evergreen plant known as the yucca.
Meaning: evergreen plant (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is sīlán.
Did you know?
- The character 兰 in 丝兰 is one of the 'four gentlemen' of Chinese art. This means the plant is visually grouped with the plum blossom, chrysanthemum, and bamboo as symbols of noble character.
- The word 丝 in 丝兰 means 'silk', which refers to the fine and strong fibers that can be extracted from the leaves of the yucca plant.
- Although 丝兰 means 'silk orchid', the plant is not a true orchid. In Mandarin, 兰 is used as a stylistic category for 'elegant' plants rather than a strict biological classification.
Examples in context
- 我家里种了许多丝兰。I have many yucca plants at home.
- 这种丝兰长得非常快。Zhè zhǒng sīlán zhǎng de fēicháng kuài.This type of yucca grows very fast.
- 那株丝兰看起来很健康。Nà zhū sīlán kàn qǐlái hěn jiànkāng.That yucca plant looks very healthy.
- 我打算在阳台上种丝兰。Wǒ dǎsuàn zài yángtái shàng zhòng sīlán.I plan to plant a yucca on the balcony.
Example conversation
Jiayi and Zhiqiang are visiting a garden center.
- 佳怡 Jiayi志强，你看这棵丝兰真漂亮。Zhìqiáng, nǐ kàn zhè kē sīlán zhēn piàoliang.Zhiqiang, look at this yucca, it is really beautiful.
- 志强 Zhiqiang确实，它的叶子很有特色。Quèshí, tā de yèzi hěn yǒu tèsè.Indeed, its leaves are very distinctive.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我们买一棵回家养吧？Wǒmen mǎi yī kē huí jiā yǎng ba?Shall we buy one to grow at home?
- 志强 Zhiqiang好，就买这棵丝兰。Hǎo, jiù mǎi zhè kē sīlán.Okay, let's buy this yucca.
