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March 24, 2026
虾(蝦)há(ha2)
虾 (há) refers to shrimp or prawn, which are small, aquatic crustaceans commonly found in various cuisines around the world, especially in Chinese cooking. This character is often used in dishes, seafood markets, and when discussing marine life. It carries a connotation of freshness and is popular in both informal dining and high-end seafood restaurants.
Strokes9Radical虫Frequency#5590DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, shrimp is often used in celebratory dishes, symbolizing happiness and abundance, particularly during festivals like Chinese New Year. It's also a key ingredient in many regional dishes, showcasing the diversity of Chinese cuisine.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant shrimp with the body of a 'house' (the radical '虍' looks a bit like a roof), happily swimming in the sea. The sound 'há' is like the joyful laughter one might hear when enjoying a delicious shrimp dish with friends.
Meanings of 虾
há(ha2)
primary
1shrimp, prawn
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 虾
虾Simplified
蝦Traditional
9Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 虾
Podcast: 虾
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AI Study Notes for 虾
Quick Contrast
虾 (shrimp) vs 蝦 (prawn) — use 虾 for smaller varieties or when referring to shrimp specifically, while 蝦 may imply larger or different types of prawn.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant shrimp with the body of a 'house' (the radical '虍' looks a bit like a roof), happily swimming in the sea. The sound 'há' is like the joyful laughter one might hear when enjoying a delicious shrimp dish with friends.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 虾 with other seafood terms, such as 鱼 (fish) or 蟹 (crab), so pay attention to context. It is generally used in informal contexts but can also appear in menus and recipes. Watch the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Though 虾 is not an HSK word, it connects with HSK vocabulary related to food and aquatic life. Focus on recognizing this character in menus or when discussing food, as it enhances your culinary vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, shrimp is often used in celebratory dishes, symbolizing happiness and abundance, particularly during festivals like Chinese New Year. It's also a key ingredient in many regional dishes, showcasing the diversity of Chinese cuisine.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 虾, confusing it with other similar-sounding words. For instance, saying 'hā' instead of 'há' changes the meaning entirely. Additionally, some might use it incorrectly in formal contexts where specific types of seafood are required.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 虾
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Grammar Patterns of 虾
虾 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). 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
在南非，贾尼可谓塘中无鱼____为大。
In South Africa, Jani was a big fish in a small pond.
Cut the lobster shells into small pieces with heavy-duty scissors.
4
厨师安东用龙虾和芦笋搭配，制作出了一道口感很好的菜肴。
chú shī ān dōng yòng lóng xiā hé lú sǔn dā pèi， ， zhì zuò chū le yī dào kǒu gǎn hěn hǎo de cài。
Anton the chef concocts a sensual coupling of lobster and asparagus.
5
有个集团闯进鱼市,夺走了七支龙虾.
yǒu gè jí tuán chuǎng jìn yú shì, , duó zǒu le qī zhī lóng.
One group walked into a fish market and took seven lobsters.
6
同那些跨国公司比,这些当地的公司不过是小鱼小虾.
tóng nà xiē kuà guó gōng sī bǐ, , zhè xiē dāng dì de gōng sī bù guò shì xiǎo yú xiǎo.
These local companies are only small fry compared with the huge multinationals.
7
放入对虾和鱿鱼，烹炒2分钟。
fàng rù duì xiā hé yóu yú， ， pēng2 chǎo 2。
Add the prawns and squid and cook for 2 minutes.
8
放入小虾，煮30秒。
fàng rù xiǎo xiā， ，30 zhǔ。
Add the shrimp and cook for 30 seconds.
9
你可以在几秒内用嘴剥虾壳.
nǐ kě yǐ zài jī miǎo nèi yòng zuǐ bāo xiā ké.
You can shell shrimp in your mouth within seconds.
10
龙虾? 情愿是香辣小龙虾!
lóng xiā? ? qíng yuàn shì xiāng là xiǎo lóng!
Lobster? the joss - stick hot crayfish is better!
Cultural Notes for 虾
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, shrimp is often used in celebratory dishes, symbolizing happiness and abundance, particularly during festivals like Chinese New Year. It's also a key ingredient in many regional dishes, showcasing the diversity of Chinese cuisine.
Word Family of 虾
Words Containing This Character12
虾háshrimp蝦
龙虾lobster龍蝦
虾米small shrimp蝦米
大虾prawn大蝦
虾仁shrimp meat蝦仁
对虾prawn對蝦
虾子shrimp roe蝦子
虾皮small dried shrimp蝦皮
明虾prawn明蝦
虾酱shrimp paste蝦醬
虾兵蟹将useless troops (idiom)蝦兵蟹將
虾蟆frog蝦蟆
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 虾 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 虾
虾 refers specifically to shrimp or prawns, while 蝦蟆 (hā má) means toad, which is an entirely different animal.
You can simply say '虾' (há) when ordering shrimp dishes in restaurants.
Yes, you can specify cooked shrimp by saying '熟虾' (shú há), meaning 'cooked shrimp'.
