Meanings of 蟹
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About 蟹
Podcast: 蟹
Podcast: 蟹
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AI Study Notes for 蟹
螃蟹 (pángxiè) vs 蟹 (xiè): Use 螃蟹 when specifically referring to the edible crab commonly found in markets, while 蟹 can refer more generally to crabs in various contexts.
Think of the character 蟹 (xiè) as a crab scuttling sideways. The radical 虫 (insect) at the bottom suggests it's an insect-like creature, while the top part resembles the claws of the crab. Imagine a crab with its claws raised, ready to pinch – that's how you remember both its shape and sound!
Learners often confuse 蟹 (xiè) with similar-sounding words like 些 (xiē), which means 'some' or 'few.' It's important to use 蟹 in food-related contexts or when discussing marine life. Additionally, be aware of the tone; it is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone).
Though 蟹 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it is related to other food terms that might be studied in beginner levels. Students should focus on pronunciation and the context in which it's used, especially when discussing meals or markets.
In Chinese culture, crabs are often associated with autumn festivals, particularly the Mid-Autumn Festival, where they are enjoyed as a seasonal delicacy. The famous hairy crab from the Yangcheng Lake is particularly prized and celebrated.
Learners often mistakenly say 蟹 (xiè) with the wrong tone, such as using the 1st tone (xiē) instead. Additionally, it's incorrect to use it in contexts unrelated to food, like calling a spider 蟹, which is not appropriate.
Pronunciation of 蟹
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Etymology of 蟹
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 解 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蠏.
insect
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 蟹?
Decomposition of 蟹
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Write 蟹
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Practice writing 蟹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 蟹
蟹 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
有炒米粉 、 红烧猪蹄 、 清蒸螃____, 还有鱼丸汤.
There are fried rice, stewed pork leg, steamed crab, and fish soup.
Example Sentences for 蟹 (1)
Cultural Notes for 蟹
In Chinese culture, crabs are often associated with autumn festivals, particularly the Mid-Autumn Festival, where they are enjoyed as a seasonal delicacy. The famous hairy crab from the Yangcheng Lake is particularly prized and celebrated.
Word Family of 蟹
Compound Meaning
What does 蟹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蟹
蟹 specifically refers to crabs, while other terms like 鱼 (yú) refer to fish and 虾 (xiā) to shrimp.