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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#12078DifficultyHard
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
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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
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
Use the crocodile clips to attach the cables to the battery.
3
鳄梨呈现典型的叶色褪绿及营养生长减弱.
è lí chéng xiàn diǎn xíng de yè sè tuì lǜ jí yíng yǎng shēng cháng jiǎn ruò.
The avocado shows a typical loss of green color and a reduction in vegetative growth.
4
蛇和鳄鱼都是爬行动物.
shé hé è yú dū shì pá háng dòng wù.
Snakes and crocodiles are both reptiles.
5
将柠檬汁洒在鳄梨片上.
jiāng níng méng zhī sǎ zài è lí piàn shàng.
Sprinkle the avocado slices with lemon juice.
6
鳄梨是有价值的一种食物.
è lí shì yǒu jià zhí de yī zhǒng shí wù.
The avocado is a valuable food.
7
在你切鳄梨之前, 先确定它们是熟的.
zài nǐ qiē è lí zhī qián, , xiān què dìng tā mén shì shú.
Before you cut the avocados, make sure they are ripe.
8
准备鳄梨酱和玉米圆饼薯条.
zhǔn bèi è lí jiàng hé yù mǐ yuán bǐng shǔ tiáo.
Serve the guacamole with tortilla chips.
9
科尼利厄斯朝几个士兵点头示意, 他们随即把押运人领到一株鳄梨树后面.
kē ní lì è sī zhāo jī gè shì bīng diǎn tóu shì yì, , tā mén suí jí bǎ yā yùn rén lǐng dào yī zhū è lí shù hòu.
Cornelius nodded to several of the soldiers, who led the supercargo away behind an avocado tree.
10
小猴子这才知道自己嘴馋,上了小鳄鱼的当.
xiǎo hóu zǐ zhè cái zhī dào zì jǐ zuǐ chán, , shàng le xiǎo è yú de.
Small monkey this just knows oneself is greedy and ascended small crocodile of be.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
That was real crocodile skin.
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Cultural Notes for 鳄
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 鳄
Words Containing This Character5
鳄鱼èyúalligator鱷魚
鳄ècrocodile鱷
鳄梨avocado (Persea americana)鱷梨
扬子鳄Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis)揚子鱷
鳄鱼眼泪crocodile tears鱷魚眼淚
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 鳄鱼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鳄
The correct pronunciation is è, with a falling tone.
It's not commonly used in daily conversations but may come up in discussions about wildlife or culinary topics.
Both refer to alligators, but 鳄 is more commonly used in spoken language, while 鱷 might appear in literary contexts.
