Meanings of 鱼
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About 鱼
Podcast: 鱼
Podcast: 鱼
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AI study notes for 鱼
Be mindful of the measure word used with 鱼; the most common one is 条 (tiáo) for long, thin objects like fish. Learners sometimes confuse 鱼 with other similar characters, so paying attention to context is crucial. In informal settings, you can simply say '鱼' to refer to fish, but in formal contexts, it may be better to specify the type of fish.
As an HSK 2 word, 鱼 connects well with other common food-related vocabulary. Students should focus on using it in sentences about meals or preferences, such as '我喜欢吃鱼' (I like to eat fish) to reinforce its usage in practical contexts.
Learners often confuse 鱼 with its look-alike characters, such as 鱼 and 鱼 (fish) and 寅 (yín, tiger). A common mistake is saying '两鱼' (liǎng yú) instead of '两条鱼' (liǎng tiáo yú) when referring to 'two fish'.
Pronunciation of 鱼
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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.
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Etymology of 鱼
Simplified form of 魚. Pictograph of a fish.
A fish swimming upwards
Origin
What kind of character is 鱼?
Decomposition of 鱼
Parts
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How to say fish in Chinese
“fish” in Chinese is鱼
The character 鱼 (yú) primarily means 'fish' and is commonly used in various contexts, including culinary and ecological discussions. It can also be a surname, Yu, which is less frequently encountered but still significant in certain contexts. In Chinese culture, fish symbolize abundance and prosperity, often featured in festivals and celebrations.
When to use 鱼
Be mindful of the measure word used with 鱼; the most common one is 条 (tiáo) for long, thin objects like fish. Learners sometimes confuse 鱼 with other similar characters, so paying attention to context is crucial. In informal settings, you can simply say '鱼' to refer to fish, but in formal contexts, it may be better to specify the type of fish.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鱼 with its look-alike characters, such as 鱼 and 鱼 (fish) and 寅 (yín, tiger). A common mistake is saying '两鱼' (liǎng yú) instead of '两条鱼' (liǎng tiáo yú) when referring to 'two fish'.
Write 鱼
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Grammar patterns of 鱼
鱼 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.
Fill the gap
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这条____有七斤多。
This fish weighs seven-something catties.
Example sentences for 鱼 (15)
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Cultural Notes for 鱼
In Western cultures, fish is often viewed simply as a food item, while in Chinese culture, it carries deeper symbolic meanings related to wealth and family unity.
Word Family of 鱼
Characters with 鱼
What does 鲍 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 鱼
The measure word for fish is 条 (tiáo). You would say 一条鱼 (yī tiáo yú) for 'one fish'.
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