卵 (luǎn) - egg & ovum

卵Tone 3

luǎn ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 卩

林伦

卵 · luǎn

egg;

ovum;

spawn;

testicle (slang);

something shaped like an egg.

eggovumspawn

Usage highlights

eggfish eggsfertilized eggovumovarylay eggs

Synonyms

  • 蛋— egg (more common in culinary contexts)
  • 子— seed/egg (in compounds like 鱼子)

Antonyms

  • 精— sperm (biological antonym)
  • 雄— male (antonym in reproductive context)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The hen laid an egg (鸡蛋).
  • Fish eggs are called roe (鱼卵).
  • Fertilized eggs develop into embryos (受精卵).
  • The insect laid its eggs on the leaf (产卵).

Collocations

  • egg(卵)
  • fish eggs(鱼卵)
  • fertilized egg(受精卵)
  • ovum(卵子)
  • ovary(卵巢)
  • lay eggs(产卵)

Idioms

  • As dangerous as stacking eggs(危如累卵)
  • To lay eggs and die(卵覆鸟飞)
  • To kill the goose that lays the golden eggs(杀鸡取卵)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, eggs symbolize fertility, new life, and potential.
  • The character's symmetrical shape resembles two eggs or testicles, reflecting its meaning.
  • Used in biological contexts for reproductive cells across species.

FAQ