Meanings of 鳍
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About 鳍
Podcast: 鳍
Podcast: 鳍
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AI Study Notes for 鳍
鳍 (fin) vs 触 (tentacle) — use 鳍 when referring specifically to the limb of fish, while 触 is used for limbs of certain invertebrates.
Think of 鳍 (qí) as a fish's 'key' to swimming, with the top part resembling a fish's dorsal fin and the radical 鳥 (bird) indicating its connection to aquatic life. Remember that 'qí' sounds like 'key,' which can help you visualize how fins are essential for fish to navigate their watery world.
Learners often confuse 鳍 (qí) with other similar sounding words related to fish, such as 鱼 (yú), which means fish itself. It is primarily used in formal contexts, such as scientific discussions or culinary descriptions, and is less common in everyday conversation. Be cautious with the tone, as a mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
Although 鳍 (qí) is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects well with other HSK 3-4 level words related to animals and nature. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in context, particularly in texts discussing marine life or fish-related topics.
In traditional Chinese cuisine, fish is often served with its fins intact, as they symbolize good fortune and prosperity during festive occasions. 鳍 (qí) thus carries cultural significance beyond its biological meaning.
Learners often confuse 鳍 (qí) with 鱼 (yú) due to their thematic similarity. For example, saying '我喜欢鳍' (wǒ xǐhuān qí) instead of '我喜欢鱼' (wǒ xǐhuān yú) can lead to confusion, as the former means 'I like fins' rather than 'I like fish.'
Pronunciation of 鳍
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Etymology of 鳍
Phonosemantic compound. 鱼 represents the meaning and 耆 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鰭.
fish
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 鳍
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Write 鳍
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Grammar Patterns of 鳍
鳍 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.
Complete the Sentence
鱼的腹____
a fish's ventral fin
Example Sentences for 鳍 (1)
Reorder the Sentence
a fish's ventral fin
Cultural Notes for 鳍
In traditional Chinese cuisine, fish is often served with its fins intact, as they symbolize good fortune and prosperity during festive occasions. 鳍 (qí) thus carries cultural significance beyond its biological meaning.
Word Family of 鳍
Compound Meaning
What does 鳍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鳍
It is pronounced as 'qí', with a rising tone, similar to the English word 'key'.