蚌 (bàng) - Freshwater mussel & clam

蚌Tone 4

bàng ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

蚌 · bàng

Freshwater mussel;

clam;

oyster;

also refers to a city in Anhui province.

Freshwater musselclamoyster

Usage highlights

Freshwater musselPearl oysterClam shellBengbu cityClam meatGiant clam

Synonyms

  • 蛤— clam (general term)
  • 蜃— large clam; mythical clam monster

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We found freshwater clams (河蚌) in the river.
  • Pearls form inside oysters (珍珠蚌).
  • Bengbu is a city in Anhui (蚌埠).
  • The clam opens its shell (蚌壳) to feed.

Collocations

  • Freshwater mussel(河蚌)
  • Pearl oyster(珍珠蚌)
  • Clam shell(蚌壳)
  • Bengbu city(蚌埠)
  • Clam meat(蚌肉)
  • Giant clam(巨蚌)

Idioms

  • The snipe and the clam grapple(鹬蚌相争)
  • The fisherman profits(渔翁得利)
  • Pearl in the clam(蚌病成珠)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the clam symbolizes hidden treasure and potential, as pearls form inside.
  • The idiom '鹬蚌相争' warns against internal conflicts that allow third parties to benefit.
  • Bengbu city's name literally means 'clam wharf', reflecting its historical location on rivers rich with clams.

FAQ