HSK 7, n, 20 strokes, radical 鱼, rank #26786, Very Hard
鳞
lín
scales (of fish)
HSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, radical 鱼, rank #26786, Very Hard
lín(lin2) T2
1fish scales
2scales (of fish)
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March 24, 2026
鳞(鱗)lín(lin2)
The character 鳞 (lín) refers specifically to the scales of fish, which serve as protective coverings on their bodies. In a broader context, it can also refer to similar scales found on other aquatic animals. This term is commonly used in discussions about marine life, biology, and culinary contexts, particularly when preparing fish.
Strokes20Radical鱼Frequency#26786DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, fish symbolize abundance and prosperity, often associated with good fortune during festivals. The scales of fish are sometimes used in traditional medicine and are considered valuable in various culinary practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fish with shining, shimmering scales that look like tiny, overlapping tiles. The top part of the character 鳞 resembles a fish swimming, while the bottom part can be linked to the idea of layered scales. Remembering 'lin' can help you think of a 'line' of fish scales glistening in the water.
Meanings of 鳞
lín(lin2)
1fish scales
2scales (of fish)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鳞
鳞Simplified
鱗Traditional
20Strokes
鱼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 鳞
Podcast: 鳞
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AI Study Notes for 鳞
Quick Contrast
鳞 (lín) vs 甲 (jiǎ) — use 鳞 specifically for fish scales, while 甲 refers to armor or shell-like coverings, often for crustaceans or insects.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 鳞 with similar characters like 鳥 (bird), which can lead to misunderstandings in context. This word is more formal and is often used in scientific or descriptive contexts, rather than everyday conversation. Be aware of the tonal pronunciation, as mispronouncing it can change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 鳞 is not included in the current HSK levels, it is useful for learners interested in vocabulary related to nature and biology. Students should focus on recognizing the character's structure and its connection to aquatic life, as it may appear in more advanced texts discussing marine ecosystems.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鳞 with 鳥 (bird), mistakenly using it to refer to birds instead of fish. Always remember that 鳞 specifically relates to fish scales.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鳞
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Drill the tone of 鳞 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
2The sound half粦 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayfish
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鳞? 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 鳞?
Decomposition of 鳞
IDS Structure⿰鱼粦
鳞Full Character
=
鱼Yu2
left
粦lin2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 鳞?
How to say fish scales in Chinese
“fish scales” in Chinese is鳞lín
The character 鳞 (lín) refers specifically to the scales of fish, which serve as protective coverings on their bodies. In a broader context, it can also refer to similar scales found on other aquatic animals. This term is commonly used in discussions about marine life, biology, and culinary contexts, particularly when preparing fish.
When to use 鳞
A common mistake is confusing 鳞 with similar characters like 鳥 (bird), which can lead to misunderstandings in context. This word is more formal and is often used in scientific or descriptive contexts, rather than everyday conversation. Be aware of the tonal pronunciation, as mispronouncing it can change its meaning.
鳞 or something close to it
鳞 (lín) vs 甲 (jiǎ) — use 鳞 specifically for fish scales, while 甲 refers to armor or shell-like coverings, often for crustaceans or insects.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鳞 with 鳥 (bird), mistakenly using it to refer to birds instead of fish. Always remember that 鳞 specifically relates to fish scales.
Write 鳞
鳞
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Practice writing 鳞 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 鳞
鳞 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). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
那只棕鼠两只耳朵向前支着，一条长尾巴布满____片。
The brown rat has prominent ears and a long scaly tail.
