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March 24, 2026
螈yuán(yuan2)
The character 螈 (yuán) refers to a type of amphibian, specifically a salamander or newt, which is known for its smooth skin and ability to live both in water and on land. In certain contexts, it may also refer to the silkworm, a key element in silk production in China. This character is less commonly used in daily conversation and may appear more in scientific or specialized discussions.
Strokes16Radical虫Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, silkworms are historically significant due to their role in silk production, which has been a vital part of Chinese heritage and economy for thousands of years. Salamanders and newts, while less culturally prominent, are part of China's rich biodiversity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a newt (salamander) swimming in a pond while a silkworm crawls on a silk thread nearby. The shape of 螈 can be visualized as a newt's elongated body with its smooth, flowing skin, and the 'y' sound in 'yuán' can remind you of 'young', as in young amphibians.
Meanings of 螈
yuán(yuan2)
1silkworm
2salamander
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 螈
螈Simplified
16Strokes
虫Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 螈
Podcast: 螈
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AI Study Notes for 螈
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a newt (salamander) swimming in a pond while a silkworm crawls on a silk thread nearby. The shape of 螈 can be visualized as a newt's elongated body with its smooth, flowing skin, and the 'y' sound in 'yuán' can remind you of 'young', as in young amphibians.
Usage Notes
This character is more formal and likely to be encountered in biological texts or discussions about nature. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar characters like 蛙 (wā) for frog. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 螈 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 3 words related to animals and nature. Students should focus on pronunciation and understanding the context in which this character is used, particularly in scientific discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, silkworms are historically significant due to their role in silk production, which has been a vital part of Chinese heritage and economy for thousands of years. Salamanders and newts, while less culturally prominent, are part of China's rich biodiversity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 螈 with similar amphibian characters. For example, mistakenly using 螈 when they mean frog (蛙). Make sure to differentiate between the characters based on their specific meanings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 螈
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Grammar Patterns of 螈
螈 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 1
Complete the Sentence
这片潮湿地区也吸引了青蛙、蟾蜍和蝾____一类的生物。
This wet area also attracts frogs, toads and newts.
Example Sentences for 螈 (1)
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1
这片潮湿地区也吸引了青蛙、蟾蜍和蝾螈一类的生物。
zhè piàn cháo shī dì qū yě xī yǐn le qīng wā、 、 chán chú hé róng yuán yī lèi de shēng。
This wet area also attracts frogs, toads and newts.
Cultural Notes for 螈
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, silkworms are historically significant due to their role in silk production, which has been a vital part of Chinese heritage and economy for thousands of years. Salamanders and newts, while less culturally prominent, are part of China's rich biodiversity.
Word Family of 螈
Words Containing This Character2
蝾螈fire-bellied salamander (Cynops orientalis David)蠑螈
螈yuánnewt
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 蝾螈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 螈
It means salamander or newt, and can also refer to silkworm.
No, it's more likely to be found in scientific texts rather than everyday speech.
