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鳄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
鳄
è
alligator
ng, 17 strokes, radical 鱼, rank #12078, Very Hard
è(e4)e T4
1alligator
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March 24, 2026
鳄(鰐)è(e4)
The character 鳄 (è) refers to an alligator, a large reptile known for its powerful jaws and aquatic lifestyle. It is commonly used in discussions about wildlife, nature documentaries, and animal conservation. The term may also appear in culinary contexts, particularly in regions where alligator meat is consumed.
Strokes17Radical鱼Frequency#12078DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In regions like Guangdong and parts of southern China, alligator meat is a delicacy, often featured in local cuisine. The character 鳄 may appear in food markets or restaurants that serve exotic dishes.
Memory tip
Imagine an 'E' with a crocodile tail splashing in water, which represents the sound 'è' and its meaning, 'alligator'. Picture the alligator's sharp teeth when you see the character, as it resembles the fierce creature it represents.
Meanings of 鳄
è(e4)
1alligator
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 鳄 means.
About 鳄
鳄Simplified
鰐Traditional
17Strokes
鱼Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鳄
Podcast: 鳄
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AI study notes for 鳄
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 鳄 with 鱷 (e4), which is another term for alligator, but more commonly used in literary contexts. Use 鳄 in informal settings or discussions about animals, while 鱷 may appear in more formal texts. Be careful with the tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 鳄 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be related to other animal terms learned at this level, such as 猫 (māo, cat) or 狗 (gǒu, dog). Focus on recognizing and pronouncing it correctly, as well as using it in context when discussing animals.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is pronouncing 鳄 with the wrong tone, such as saying 'e' instead of 'è'. This can lead to confusion, as the tone is crucial for correct communication.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鳄
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 鳄 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
鳄 = 鱼 + 咢. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 鳄
IDS Structure⿰鱼咢
鳄Full character
=
鱼Yu2
left
咢e4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 鳄?
How to say alligator in Chinese
“alligator” in Chinese is鳄è
The character 鳄 (è) refers to an alligator, a large reptile known for its powerful jaws and aquatic lifestyle. It is commonly used in discussions about wildlife, nature documentaries, and animal conservation. The term may also appear in culinary contexts, particularly in regions where alligator meat is consumed.
When to use 鳄
Learners often confuse 鳄 with 鱷 (e4), which is another term for alligator, but more commonly used in literary contexts. Use 鳄 in informal settings or discussions about animals, while 鱷 may appear in more formal texts. Be careful with the tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is pronouncing 鳄 with the wrong tone, such as saying 'e' instead of 'è'. This can lead to confusion, as the tone is crucial for correct communication.
Write 鳄
鳄
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Practice writing 鳄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 鳄
鳄 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
