白茅

báimáo

noun

Meanings

1 cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica)
2 thatch grass

Characters

cogongrass/thatch

Examples

HSK 6

白茅根可以入药。

Báimáo gēn kěyǐ rù yào.

The roots of cogongrass can be used as medicine.

HSK 7-9

古人用白茅盖屋顶。

Gǔrén yòng báimáo gài wūdǐng.

Ancient people used cogongrass to cover roofs.

Tips

culture

Appears repeatedly in 《诗经》 (the Book of Songs) - wrapping gifts and offerings in white 茅 was a sign of careful, respectful presentation. The roots (白茅根) are still used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat.

Stroke Order

白 bái

茅 máo