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鯪 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鯪língcarpzg, 19 strokes, radical 魚
líng(ling2) T2
  1. 1carp
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

鯪líng(ling2)

The character 鯪 (líng) refers specifically to a type of fish known as 'carp.' This fish is commonly found in rivers and ponds and is significant in Chinese cuisine and culture, often associated with abundance and prosperity. In many contexts, it is used in culinary discussions or when talking about fishing.

Strokes19Radical魚
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, carp are often symbols of perseverance and success, particularly during the Dragon Boat Festival, where dishes featuring carp may be served. This connection enhances the significance of the character in culinary traditions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a carp swimming in a pond, its body shimmering like a 'lingering' memory of abundance. The character 鯪 has the radical for fish (魚) at the bottom, which helps remind you that it relates to a type of fish, while the top part hints at its unique qualities.

Meanings of 鯪

líng(ling2)
1carp
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 鯪

鯪Simplified
19Strokes
魚Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鯪

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Podcast: 鯪

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 鯪

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 鯪 with other fish-related characters. Remember, 鯪 specifically refers to carp, which can be different from other fish like 魚 (yú) which is the general term for fish. This word is more formal and specific, typically used in discussions about cuisine or aquaculture.

HSK Study Tips

While 鯪 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other HSK words related to food and nature. Students should focus on understanding fish-related vocabulary when learning culinary terms and practice pronunciation to avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 鯪 interchangeably with 魚 (yú), the general term for fish. Remember, 鯪 specifically refers to carp, so use it when you are talking about this particular type of fish.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鯪

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Etymology of 鯪

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

fish

Semantic (meaning)魚
+
Phonetic (sound)夌
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 鯪

  1. 1The meaning half魚 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half夌 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayfish
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 鯪? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 鯪?

Decomposition of 鯪

IDS Structure⿰魚夌
鯪Full Character
=
魚yu2
left
夌ling2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 鯪?

How to say carp in Chinese

“carp” in Chinese is鯪líng

The character 鯪 (líng) refers specifically to a type of fish known as 'carp.' This fish is commonly found in rivers and ponds and is significant in Chinese cuisine and culture, often associated with abundance and prosperity. In many contexts, it is used in culinary discussions or when talking about fishing.

When to use 鯪

Learners often confuse 鯪 with other fish-related characters. Remember, 鯪 specifically refers to carp, which can be different from other fish like 魚 (yú) which is the general term for fish. This word is more formal and specific, typically used in discussions about cuisine or aquaculture.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 鯪 interchangeably with 魚 (yú), the general term for fish. Remember, 鯪 specifically refers to carp, so use it when you are talking about this particular type of fish.

Write 鯪

鯪

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 鯪

Words Containing This Character4
鲮鱼mud carp (Cirrhina molitorella)鯪魚
鲮língmud carp (Cirrhina molitorella)鯪
土鲮鱼mud carp (Cirrhina molitorella)土鯪魚
鲮鲤scaly ant-eater鯪鯉
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 鲮鱼 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 鯪

It means 'carp,' a type of fish commonly found in Chinese waters and cuisine.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 鯪?

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.