Common Meanings
1
jiè芥
A herbaceous plant (Brassica juncea) whose seeds are used to make mustard (芥末). It also refers to various types of mustard greens or vegetables, categorized by their edible parts (e.g., leaf mustard, stem mustard, root mustard).
奶奶喜欢用新鲜的芥菜腌制泡菜。
Grandma likes to pickle kimchi with fresh mustard greens.
A small plant; metaphorically, something tiny, insignificant, or trivial.
在他看来，所有的烦恼都不过是生命中的一粒草芥。
In his view, all worries are nothing more than a mere trifle in life.
2
gài芥
Refers to a type of mustard green (Brassica juncea), also known as 'gai cai' or leaf mustard, which is an annual herbaceous plant with large, wrinkled, edible leaves.
妈妈今天买了新鲜的芥菜。
Mom bought fresh mustard greens today.