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鳞 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
鳞
lín
fish scales
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)lin 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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 鳞 means.
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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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 鳞 is seven skills, not one.
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.
鳞 = 鱼 + 粦. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 鳞
IDS Structure⿰鱼粦
鳞Full character
=
鱼Yu2
left
粦lin2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
