Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
鲣 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鲣jiānskipjack, boniton, 15 strokes, radical 鱼, rank #46890, Very Hard
jiān(jian1)jian T1
  1. 1skipjack, bonito
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

鲣(鰹)jiān(jian1)

The character 鲣 (jiān) refers to skipjack tuna, a type of fish commonly found in warm ocean waters. It is often used in Asian cuisine, particularly in sushi and sashimi dishes, and is known for its rich flavor and firm texture. This word is primarily encountered in culinary contexts, especially in discussions about seafood.

Strokes15Radical鱼Frequency#46890DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese cuisine, skipjack tuna is often featured in dishes like sushi and sashimi, reflecting the influence of Japanese culinary practices on regional dining. The appreciation for fresh seafood is a significant aspect of Chinese gastronomy.

Memory tip

Imagine a big, sleek fish swimming swiftly through the ocean. The character 鲣 has the radical for 'fish' (魚) on the left, emphasizing its connection to aquatic life, while the right part suggests the swift motion of the skipjack as it darts through the water. Think of 'jiān' as 'jet' to remind you of the fish's speed.

Meanings of 鲣

jiān(jian1)
1skipjack, bonito
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 鲣 means.

About 鲣

鲣Simplified
鰹Traditional
15Strokes
鱼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鲣

JasonAmy

Podcast: 鲣

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 鲣

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 鲣 with similar fish names, such as 鮪 (wěi) for tuna. It's important to use 鲣 specifically for skipjack and to be aware of its culinary context. This term is more commonly used in informal settings, such as restaurants or cooking discussions.

HSK Study Tips

While 鲣 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be useful for learners focusing on food and dining. Students should connect it to other seafood-related vocabulary, enhancing their ability to discuss meals in Mandarin. Pay attention to the pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone is used.

Common Mistakes

Learners may mistakenly use 鲣 to refer to all types of tuna, but it specifically denotes skipjack. A common error is saying '我喜欢吃鲣鱼' (I like to eat skipjack fish) without understanding that 鲣 refers to a specific type of fish.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鲣

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 鲣, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 鲣 to you

Let me explain 鲣 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 鲣 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 鲣?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 鲣 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 鲣

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

fish

Semantic (meaning)鱼
+
Phonetic (sound)坚
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

鲣 = 鱼 + 坚. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 鲣

IDS Structure⿰鱼坚
鲣Full character
=
鱼Yu2
left
坚jian1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 鲣?

How to say skipjack, bonito in Chinese

“skipjack, bonito” in Chinese is鲣jiān

The character 鲣 (jiān) refers to skipjack tuna, a type of fish commonly found in warm ocean waters. It is often used in Asian cuisine, particularly in sushi and sashimi dishes, and is known for its rich flavor and firm texture. This word is primarily encountered in culinary contexts, especially in discussions about seafood.

When to use 鲣

Learners often confuse 鲣 with similar fish names, such as 鮪 (wěi) for tuna. It's important to use 鲣 specifically for skipjack and to be aware of its culinary context. This term is more commonly used in informal settings, such as restaurants or cooking discussions.

What learners get wrong

Learners may mistakenly use 鲣 to refer to all types of tuna, but it specifically denotes skipjack. A common error is saying '我喜欢吃鲣鱼' (I like to eat skipjack fish) without understanding that 鲣 refers to a specific type of fish.

Write 鲣

鲣

Practice writing 鲣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar patterns of 鲣

鲣 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

____鸟栖息在外海地区。

Gannets are denizens of the open ocean.

Example sentences for 鲣 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
鲣鸟栖息在外海地区。

jiān niǎo qī xī zài wài hǎi dìqū。

Gannets are denizens of the open ocean.
2
我在市场买了两条鲣鱼。

Wǒ zài shìchǎng mǎi le liǎng tiáo jiān yú.

I bought two skipjacks at the market.
3
鲣鱼是很好吃的鱼。

Jiān yú shì hěn hǎo chī de yú.

Skipjack is a very tasty fish.
4
他第一次吃鲣鱼。

Tā dì yī cì chī jiān yú.

He is eating skipjack for the first time.
5
我们在海边看到很多鲣鱼。

Wǒmen zài hǎibiān kàn dào hěn duō jiān yú.

We saw many skipjacks by the sea.
6
在日本, 鲣鱼常用于做寿司。

Zài Rìběn, jiānyú cháng yòng yú zuò shòusī.

In Japan, skipjack is often used to make sushi.
7
我朋友的爸爸是一位捕鱼的,他常常捕到鲣鱼。

Wǒ péngyǒu de bàba shì yī wèi bǔ yú de, tā chángcháng bǔdào jiānyú.

My friend's dad is a fisherman, and he often catches skipjack.
8
鲣鱼是一种常见的海洋鱼类。

Jiān yú shì yī zhǒng chángjiàn de hǎiyáng yúlèi.

Skipjack is a common type of marine fish.
9
饭馆里的鲣鱼汤特别美味。

Fànguǎn lǐ de jiān yú tāng tèbié měiwèi.

The skipjack soup in the restaurant is particularly delicious.
10
他在学习如何烹饪鲣鱼。

Tā zài xuéxí rúhé pēngrèn jiān yú.

He is learning how to cook skipjack.
Exercise 1 of 1

Rebuild it

Rebuild it: “Gannets are denizens of the open ocean.”

Tap tokens to build the sentence

Ask Jason

Have a question about 鲣?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Cultural Notes for 鲣

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, skipjack tuna is often less recognized compared to other types of tuna like albacore or bluefin, which may lead to different culinary uses and preferences.

Word Family of 鲣

Words containing this character1
鲣jiānbonito鰹

Frequently asked questions about 鲣

鲣 is often used in sushi, sashimi, and various seafood dishes, particularly in coastal regions.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 鲣?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab