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)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
The new plant forms new bulbs in vegetative reproduction.
Cultural Notes for 鳞
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 鳞
Words Containing This Character12
鳞línscales (of fish)鱗
遍体鳞伤beaten black and blue遍體鱗傷
鳞片scale鱗片
鱼鳞fish scales魚鱗
鳞次栉比row upon row鱗次櫛比
鳞状细胞癌squamous cell carcinoma鱗狀細胞癌
鳞甲scale鱗甲
鳞茎bulb鱗莖
鳞翅目Lepidoptera (insect order including butterflies 蝶類|蝶类 and moths 蛾類|蛾类)鱗翅目
一鳞半爪lit. one scale and half a claw (idiom); only odd bits and pieces一鱗半爪
鳞伤terribly cut up鱗傷
东鳞西爪odds and ends (idiom)東鱗西爪
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 鳞 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鳞
The correct pronunciation is 'lín', with a rising tone.
Primarily, 鳞 refers to fish scales, and it is not commonly used to describe scales of other animals.
This character is often used in scientific texts or culinary descriptions, but specific phrases may vary.
