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March 24, 2026
蛏(蟶)chēng(cheng1)
The character 蛏 (chēng) refers to a type of marine mollusk known as the razor clam, which is characterized by its elongated shell that resembles a razor blade. It is commonly found in sandy or muddy coastal environments and is often enjoyed as a delicacy in various seafood dishes, especially in coastal regions of China.
Strokes11Radical虫Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese coastal cities, 蛏 is often featured in local cuisine, particularly in dishes that highlight fresh seafood, reflecting the country's deep-rooted relationship with its maritime resources and culinary traditions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clam that is so sharp it could cut through the water like a 'razor.' The character 蛏 has the radical 虫 (insect), hinting at its nature as a sea creature, while the sound 'chēng' can remind you of the 'ching' sound when you slice through something sharp like a clam's shell.
Meanings of 蛏
chēng(cheng1)
1razor clam
2mussel
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 蛏
蛏Simplified
蟶Traditional
11Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蛏
Podcast: 蛏
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AI Study Notes for 蛏
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clam that is so sharp it could cut through the water like a 'razor.' The character 蛏 has the radical 虫 (insect), hinting at its nature as a sea creature, while the sound 'chēng' can remind you of the 'ching' sound when you slice through something sharp like a clam's shell.
Usage Notes
This word is relatively informal and is mainly used in culinary contexts when discussing seafood. Be careful not to confuse it with similar seafood terms like 蚌 (bàng), which refers to a different type of clam. The correct pronunciation is crucial, as mispronouncing the tone could lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Though 蛏 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it offers a connection to HSK Level 3 terms related to food and marine life. Focusing on related seafood vocabulary can enhance your understanding of dining and culinary conversations in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In Chinese coastal cities, 蛏 is often featured in local cuisine, particularly in dishes that highlight fresh seafood, reflecting the country's deep-rooted relationship with its maritime resources and culinary traditions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蛏 with similar seafood terms, such as 蚌 (bàng), which refers to a different type of clam. Remember that 蛏 specifically refers to razor clams, not other clams or shellfish.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蛏
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Cultural Notes for 蛏
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese coastal cities, 蛏 is often featured in local cuisine, particularly in dishes that highlight fresh seafood, reflecting the country's deep-rooted relationship with its maritime resources and culinary traditions.
Word Family of 蛏
Words Containing This Character1
蛏chēngmussel蟶
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 蛏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蛏
You can say: '我喜欢吃蛏子。' (Wǒ xǐhuān chī chēngzi.) which means 'I like to eat razor clams.'
Yes, 蛏 is commonly available in seafood markets, especially in regions close to the coast.
Razor clams (蛏) have a distinct elongated shell, while other clams like 蚌 (bàng) have a more rounded shape.
