蛎 (lì) - Oyster — refers to various species of edible

蛎Tone 4

lì ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

蛎 · lì

Oyster — refers to various species of edible bivalve mollusks, particularly the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and other oyster varieties.

Oyster — refers to various species of edible

Usage highlights

Pacific oysteroyster shelloyster farmingoyster mushroomoyster bedoyster knife

Synonyms

  • 牡蛎— oyster (more common term)
  • 蚝— oyster (simplified/common term)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We ordered grilled oysters (烤蛎) at the seafood restaurant.
  • Oyster sauce (蚝油) is commonly used in Cantonese cuisine.
  • The oyster reef (牡蛎礁) provides important habitat for marine life.
  • Fresh oysters (鲜蛎) are best eaten raw with lemon juice.

Collocations

  • Pacific oyster(太平洋牡蛎)
  • oyster shell(蛎壳)
  • oyster farming(牡蛎养殖)
  • oyster mushroom(平菇, though not related)
  • oyster bed(牡蛎床)
  • oyster knife(开蛎刀)

Idioms

  • As close as an oyster(如蛎之固)
  • Pearl from oyster(蛎中珍珠)
  • Oyster's perseverance(蛎之坚韧)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Oysters have been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years, particularly along coastal regions.
  • In Chinese cuisine, oysters are considered a delicacy and are believed to have nutritional and aphrodisiac properties.
  • Oyster shells were historically used in traditional Chinese medicine and as building material.

FAQ