海豚 (hǎitún) refers to 'dolphin' in English, a marine mammal known for its intelligence and playful behavior. Dolphins are often associated with friendliness towards humans and are popular in marine parks and aquariums. The term encompasses various species of dolphins, which are known for their agility and social structures.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
hǎitún(hai3tun2) T3
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May 27, 2026
海豚hǎitún(hai3tun2)
海豚 (hǎitún) refers to 'dolphin' in English, a marine mammal known for its intelligence and playful behavior. Dolphins are often associated with friendliness towards humans and are popular in marine parks and aquariums. The term encompasses various species of dolphins, which are known for their agility and social structures.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Dolphins hold a special place in Chinese culture, often symbolizing harmony and joy. They are featured in various Chinese myths and are celebrated for their intelligence and ability to communicate.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'dolphin' swimming in the 'sea' (海, hǎi) while making playful leaps. The character 豚 (tún) resembles a fish jumping happily out of the water, reminding you of the dolphin's lively nature.
About 海豚
海豚Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 海豚
Podcast: 海豚
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AI Study Notes for 海豚
Quick Contrast
海豚 (hǎitún) vs 鲸 (jīng) — choose 海豚 for smaller marine mammals known for playful behavior, while 鲸 refers to larger whales.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'dolphin' swimming in the 'sea' (海, hǎi) while making playful leaps. The character 豚 (tún) resembles a fish jumping happily out of the water, reminding you of the dolphin's lively nature.
Usage Notes
This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing marine life. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words like 鳗鱼 (mányú, eel), which is unrelated. Pay attention to the tone: the first syllable 'hǎi' has a rising tone, while 'tún' has a flat tone.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, learners should focus on using 海豚 in discussions about marine biology or environmental issues. Connecting this word to previous vocabulary like 海 (sea) and 鱼 (fish) can enhance comprehension and retention.
Cultural Note
Dolphins hold a special place in Chinese culture, often symbolizing harmony and joy. They are featured in various Chinese myths and are celebrated for their intelligence and ability to communicate.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 海豚 with other marine animals due to similar sounds. For example, saying '海鸡' (hǎijī, sea chicken) instead of '海豚' is incorrect; remember that dolphin is distinct from other species.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 海豚
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Cultural Notes for 海豚
🏮Cultural insight
Dolphins hold a special place in Chinese culture, often symbolizing harmony and joy. They are featured in various Chinese myths and are celebrated for their intelligence and ability to communicate.
Frequently Asked Questions about 海豚
海豚 (hǎitún) refers specifically to dolphins, while 鲸 (jīng) refers to whales, which are larger and belong to a different family of marine mammals.
No, dolphins are classified as mammals, not fish, similar to how they are categorized in Western biology.
Yes, 海豚 is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, making it suitable for scientific discussions or casual conversations.
