unknown, 15 strokes, radical 鱼, rank #70888, Very Hard
鲥
shí
Ilisha elongata
unknown, 15 strokes, radical 鱼, rank #70888, Very Hard
shí(shi2) T2
1Reeves' shad; hilsa herring
2shad
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March 24, 2026
鲥(鰣)shí(shi2)
鲥 (shí) refers to a type of fish known as Reeves' shad or hilsa herring, which is found in East Asia. This fish is often prized for its taste and is commonly used in various culinary dishes, particularly in coastal regions where it is abundant. It holds significance in certain cultural and culinary contexts, especially during festivals and special occasions.
Strokes15Radical鱼Frequency#70888DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, fish like 鲥 are often associated with prosperity and abundance, making them a popular choice during celebratory meals such as the Lunar New Year. Specific preparation methods and dishes highlight the cultural significance of this fish.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chef holding a shiny fish (鲥) that glimmers like a silver coin. The pronunciation 'shí' sounds like 'she' followed by a soft 'ee'—think of a chef saying 'She cooks fish!' This visual connection helps you remember both the character and its meaning.
Meanings of 鲥
shí(shi2)
1Reeves' shad; hilsa herring
2shad
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 鲥
鲥Simplified
鰣Traditional
15Strokes
鱼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鲥
Podcast: 鲥
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AI Study Notes for 鲥
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chef holding a shiny fish (鲥) that glimmers like a silver coin. The pronunciation 'shí' sounds like 'she' followed by a soft 'ee'—think of a chef saying 'She cooks fish!' This visual connection helps you remember both the character and its meaning.
Usage Notes
鲥 is typically used in more formal or culinary contexts, and learners should be mindful of its specific usage when discussing types of fish. A common mistake is confusing it with other fish names in Chinese, so pay attention to context and collocations like 鲥鱼 (shí yú) for 'shad fish.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 鲥 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can enrich your understanding of food-related terms. Focus on the character's components: 魚 (fish) signifies its meaning, and recognizing this radical can help you connect with other fish-related vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, fish like 鲥 are often associated with prosperity and abundance, making them a popular choice during celebratory meals such as the Lunar New Year. Specific preparation methods and dishes highlight the cultural significance of this fish.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鲥 with similar fish names like 鮭 (guī) for salmon or 鱻 (xiān) for fresh fish. To avoid this, focus on the distinctive character components and remember that 鲥 specifically refers to shad.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鲥
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Cultural Notes for 鲥
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cuisine, fish like 鲥 are often associated with prosperity and abundance, making them a popular choice during celebratory meals such as the Lunar New Year. Specific preparation methods and dishes highlight the cultural significance of this fish.
Word Family of 鲥
Words Containing This Character2
鲥鱼Reeves shad (Tenualosa reevesii)鰣魚
鲥shíshad鰣
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 鲥鱼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鲥
鲥 has a delicate and slightly sweet flavor, often enjoyed grilled or steamed.
Yes, there are several types of shad, and they may be prepared in various regional styles.
It is often steamed with ginger and scallions, or used in soups and stir-fries.
