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March 24, 2026
蜊lí(li2)
The character 蜊 (lí) refers to a clam, a type of bivalve mollusk commonly found in various aquatic environments. In Chinese cuisine, clams are often used in soups and stir-fries, highlighting their significance in culinary traditions. This word is less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to more familiar seafood terms.
Strokes13Radical虫Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In coastal regions of China, clams are a popular ingredient in local dishes, such as clam chowder or stir-fried clams with garlic. This highlights the importance of seafood in Chinese cuisine and the cultural significance of fresh ingredients.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 蜊 as resembling a clam hiding in its shell. The top part, the '虫' radical, suggests something that lives in the water, while '里' hints at hiding inside. Imagine a clam quietly sitting in the sand, waiting to be discovered.
Meanings of 蜊
lí(li2)
1clam
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蜊
蜊Simplified
13Strokes
虫Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蜊
Podcast: 蜊
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AI Study Notes for 蜊
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the character 蜊 as resembling a clam hiding in its shell. The top part, the '虫' radical, suggests something that lives in the water, while '里' hints at hiding inside. Imagine a clam quietly sitting in the sand, waiting to be discovered.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 蜊 with similar seafood terms like 蛤 (gé, clam) or 鳗 (mán, eel). Although 蜊 is specific to clams, it's rarely used in casual conversations, so be mindful of context when using it. Remember to use the correct tone (second tone) to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As there is currently no HSK level assigned to 蜊, it's beneficial to learn it alongside other food-related vocabulary. Focus on pronunciation and context to enhance your understanding of marine life in Mandarin, especially if you are interested in culinary terms.
Cultural Note
In coastal regions of China, clams are a popular ingredient in local dishes, such as clam chowder or stir-fried clams with garlic. This highlights the importance of seafood in Chinese cuisine and the cultural significance of fresh ingredients.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 蜊 with other seafood terms like 鳗 (mán, eel) or 牡蛎 (mǔlì, oyster). For instance, saying '我喜欢蜊' (wǒ xǐhuān lí, I like clams) might be correct, but many would opt for more common terms in casual dining contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蜊
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Grammar Patterns of 蜊
蜊 carries one core meaning. 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 3
Complete the Sentence
在台风天的拾 蛤____ 也是份危险的工作.
Go clamming is also a dangerous work with a willy - willy ( typhoon ).
Example Sentences for 蜊 (2)
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1
在台风天的拾 蛤蜊 也是份危险的工作.
zài tái fēng tiān de shí gé lì yě shì fèn wēi xiǎn de.
Go clamming is also a dangerous work with a willy - willy ( typhoon ).
2
他们常去浅滩拾蛤蜊.
tā mén cháng qù qiǎn tān shí gé lì.
They often go clamming.
Cultural Notes for 蜊
🏮Cultural insight
In coastal regions of China, clams are a popular ingredient in local dishes, such as clam chowder or stir-fried clams with garlic. This highlights the importance of seafood in Chinese cuisine and the cultural significance of fresh ingredients.
Word Family of 蜊
Words Containing This Character2
蛤蜊clam
蜊líclam
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 蛤蜊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蜊
蜊 specifically refers to a type of clam, while 蛤 is a more general term for clams and some other bivalves.
It is pronounced as 'lí' with a rising tone, similar to the word 'lee' with a slight upward inflection.
No, 蜊 is not commonly used in casual conversation; it is more often seen in culinary contexts or written language.
