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鱀 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鱀jìChinese river dolphinzg, 20 strokes, radical 魚
jì(ji4) T4
  1. 1Chinese river dolphin
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

鱀jì(ji4)

The character 鱀 (jì) refers to the Chinese river dolphin, specifically the baiji dolphin (白鱀豚). This endangered species is native to the Yangtze River and is a symbol of China's aquatic biodiversity. Discussions about this dolphin often arise in the context of conservation efforts and environmental awareness.

Strokes20Radical魚
Cultural Note

The baiji dolphin is not just a marine creature but a cultural icon representing the health of the Yangtze River ecosystem. Its decline is often highlighted in discussions about environmental protection in China.

Memory Tip

Imagine a dolphin (the character 鱀) swimming in the Yangtze River, which is filled with both water (the radical 氵) and life. The sound 'jì' can remind you of 'jumping' as it leaps out of the water, emphasizing its playful nature.

Meanings of 鱀

jì(ji4)
1Chinese river dolphin
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 鱀

鱀Simplified
20Strokes
魚Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鱀

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Podcast: 鱀

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AI Study Notes for 鱀

Usage Notes

When discussing the baiji dolphin, it's important to use its full name (白鱀豚) to avoid confusion. This term is primarily used in formal contexts related to environmental discussions. Be careful with the tone; 'jì' (fourth tone) is crucial for proper pronunciation.

HSK Study Tips

Although 鱀 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your knowledge of environmental terms at HSK Level 4. Focus on related vocabulary concerning wildlife and conservation for better contextual learning.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鱀 with similar-sounding characters; for example, they might say 'ji' (first tone) instead of 'jì' (fourth tone). Always remember the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鱀

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Etymology of 鱀

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

fish

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 鱀

  1. 1The meaning half魚 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half既 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 鱀? 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 鱀?

Decomposition of 鱀

IDS Structure⿱既魚
鱀Full Character
=
既ji4
top
魚yu2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 鱀?

How to say Chinese river dolphin in Chinese

“Chinese river dolphin” in Chinese is鱀jì

The character 鱀 (jì) refers to the Chinese river dolphin, specifically the baiji dolphin (白鱀豚). This endangered species is native to the Yangtze River and is a symbol of China's aquatic biodiversity. Discussions about this dolphin often arise in the context of conservation efforts and environmental awareness.

When to use 鱀

When discussing the baiji dolphin, it's important to use its full name (白鱀豚) to avoid confusion. This term is primarily used in formal contexts related to environmental discussions. Be careful with the tone; 'jì' (fourth tone) is crucial for proper pronunciation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 鱀 with similar-sounding characters; for example, they might say 'ji' (first tone) instead of 'jì' (fourth tone). Always remember the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.

Write 鱀

鱀

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Frequently Asked Questions about 鱀

The baiji dolphin is significant as it highlights the urgent need for environmental conservation and the impacts of pollution and human activity on wildlife.

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Not sure what to learn after 鱀?

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.