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
Drill the tone of 鱼 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 鱼
Simplified form of 魚. Pictograph of a fish.
A fish swimming upwards
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鱼
Simplified form of 魚. Pictograph of a fish.
- 1The giveawayA fish swimming upwards
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鱼? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 鱼
Identify the Components
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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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Practice writing 鱼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Complete the Sentence
这条____有七斤多。
This fish weighs seven-something catties.
Example Sentences for 鱼 (10)
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
Compound Meaning
What does 鲁 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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