芝

Refers broadly to a low-growing, fragrant plant — originally 지초 (芝草), known in Korean as 지치, a purple-rooted herb used for dye and medicine.

Over time, it also came to denote the lingzhi mushroom (靈芝), symbol of longevity and virtue in Daoist tradition.

Phono-semantic compound consisting of:

艸 (풀 초) — semantic component, indicating vegetation or plants.

之 (갈 지) — phonetic component, providing the sound ji and implying gentle motion or spreading growth.

Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字):

「芝，瑞草也。从艸，之聲。」

“芝 is an auspicious herb. Composed of 艸 (grass radical) and 之 (phonetic).”

Originally, therefore, 芝 designated a sacred or auspicious herb — a plant that grew only under favorable omens, often associated with immortality or moral excellence.

Semantic development:

The original meaning of 芝 referred to a delicate, fragrant herb that grew spontaneously in auspicious places — seen as a sign of heavenly favor or virtuous governance.

In early Chinese texts, 芝草 (지초) and 蘭草 (난초) were frequently paired to denote purity, refinement, and the moral excellence of the gentleman (君子).

Later, the meaning extended to other plants symbolizing longevity or divine blessing, particularly the 靈芝 (영지) mushroom, prized in Daoism as a medicine of immortality.

In Japan, however, the term came to mean ordinary lawn grass, losing its mystical connotation, though preserving the sense of something spreading low and soft.

芝草 (지초) — the zhi herb (Lithospermum erythrorhizon)

靈芝 (영지) — the lingzhi mushroom, symbol of immortality

芝蘭 (지란) — orchids and zhi herbs; a metaphor for noble friendship or virtuous youth

芝居 (시바이) — theater, drama (JP)

In Chinese and Korean tradition, 芝 is a symbol of virtue, purity, and auspiciousness.

It represents heavenly favor — plants said to sprout naturally in the courts of wise rulers or before the tombs of sages.

Book of Han (漢書):

「有芝草生於庭，以為嘉瑞。」

“When zhi grass grew in the courtyard, it was taken as an auspicious omen.”

The phrase 芝蘭之交 (지란지교) — “the friendship of zhi and orchid” — originates from this symbolism, referring to a bond of refined and virtuous companionship, as between men of high moral character.

「芝蘭生於幽谷，不以無人而不芳。」 (Liji, 禮記)

“The orchid and zhi grow in the secluded valley, yet do not cease to be fragrant because none admire them.”

In Daoist thought, 靈芝 became the “mushroom of immortality,” emblem of transcendence and eternal life — a symbol often carved in jade or painted in immortals’ hands.

Botanical and linguistic notes:

지초 (芝草, Lithospermum erythrorhizon):

A perennial herb with small white five-petaled flowers, blooming around May–June. Its purple roots produce a red dye (자초염료) and are valued in traditional medicine for their cooling and detoxifying properties.

영지 (靈芝, Ganoderma lucidum):

Known as the “divine fungus,” used in Chinese medicine and folklore as a symbol of health and immortality.

Symbolic interpretation:

芝 unites natural grace and moral virtue.

It grows low yet radiates fragrance — the classic image of humble excellence.

Hence, 芝 symbolizes refined character hidden in simplicity, much like the Confucian gentleman whose virtue does not depend on recognition.

「芝之為草，幽而芳；君子之德，靜而遠。」

“The zhi herb is quiet yet fragrant; the virtue of the gentleman is tranquil yet far-reaching.”

In this way, 芝 serves as a timeless emblem of pure, noble growth — modest yet enduring, earthly yet divine.

In literature and philosophy, it stands for purity, refinement, and moral excellence, as reflected in idioms like 芝蘭之交 (friendship of virtue).

From sacred herb to simple grass, 芝 has remained an enduring metaphor for quiet integrity and natural elegance.