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鳄鱼 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鳄鱼èyúalligatorHSK 7, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #6017, Very Hard
鳄鱼èyúcrocodileHSK 7, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #6017, Very Hard
èyú(e4yu2)e yu T4
  1. 1alligator
  2. 2crocodile
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March 24, 2026

鳄鱼(鱷魚)èyú(e4yu2)

The term 鳄鱼 (è yú) refers specifically to crocodiles and alligators, which are large aquatic reptiles known for their powerful jaws and semi-aquatic lifestyles. This word is commonly used in both scientific contexts and everyday conversation when discussing these reptiles, particularly in relation to their habitats and behaviors.

Strokes25Frequency#6017DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

Crocodiles and alligators are significant in Chinese culture as symbols of strength and ferocity, often depicted in folklore. They are also featured in various regional dishes, particularly in southern China, where crocodile meat is considered a delicacy.

Memory tip

Imagine an alligator with a wide mouth, resembling the character 鳄 (è) which means 'crocodile.' The radical 鳥 (bird) suggests it is a creature from the animal kingdom, while the character 鱼 (yú) means 'fish,' hinting at its aquatic nature. Picture a 'fish' that has a big 'mouth' like the alligator – hence, 鳄鱼 (è yú).

Meanings of 鳄鱼

èyú(e4yu2)
1alligator
2crocodile
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About 鳄鱼

鳄鱼Simplified
鱷魚Traditional
25Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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AI study notes for 鳄鱼

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 鳄鱼 with other aquatic animals like 鱼 (yú) on its own, which means 'fish.' This word is generally neutral in tone, but be cautious not to mispronounce it; ensure you stress the fourth tone in 鳄 (è) and the second tone in 鱼 (yú). Common collocations include '鳄鱼池' (è yú chí - crocodile pond) or '鳄鱼肉' (è yú ròu - crocodile meat).

HSK Study Tips

While 鳄鱼 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it is relevant for learners at HSK 3 or above as it expands their knowledge of animals. Students should focus on tonal pronunciation and the context in which this word can be used, especially in nature-related discussions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鳄鱼 (è yú) with just 鱼 (yú), which means 'fish.' For instance, saying '我喜欢鳄' (wǒ xǐhuān è) instead of '我喜欢鳄鱼' (wǒ xǐhuān è yú) omits the important context of the specific animal.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鳄鱼

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Component characters

鳄èalligator
17 strokes鱼
View full entry
鱼yúfish
HSK 28 strokes鱼
View full entry

How to say alligator in Chinese

“alligator” in Chinese is鳄鱼èyú

The term 鳄鱼 (è yú) refers specifically to crocodiles and alligators, which are large aquatic reptiles known for their powerful jaws and semi-aquatic lifestyles. This word is commonly used in both scientific contexts and everyday conversation when discussing these reptiles, particularly in relation to their habitats and behaviors.

When to use 鳄鱼

Learners often confuse 鳄鱼 with other aquatic animals like 鱼 (yú) on its own, which means 'fish.' This word is generally neutral in tone, but be cautious not to mispronounce it; ensure you stress the fourth tone in 鳄 (è) and the second tone in 鱼 (yú). Common collocations include '鳄鱼池' (è yú chí - crocodile pond) or '鳄鱼肉' (è yú ròu - crocodile meat).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 鳄鱼 (è yú) with just 鱼 (yú), which means 'fish.' For instance, saying '我喜欢鳄' (wǒ xǐhuān è) instead of '我喜欢鳄鱼' (wǒ xǐhuān è yú) omits the important context of the specific animal.

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鳄
鱼

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Frequently asked questions about 鳄鱼

It is pronounced as è yú, with a fourth tone for 鳄 and a second tone for 鱼.

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