魮 (pí) - A type of fish with a human-like face

魮Tone 2

pí ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

魮 · pí

A type of fish with a human-like face and a body resembling that of a carp, often mentioned in classical Chinese texts as a mythical or legendary creature.

A type of fish with a human-like face

Usage highlights

魮鱼赤魮文魮珠魮魮之鱼

Synonyms

  • 人鱼— mermaid; human-fish
  • 鲛人— legendary jiao people; mermaid

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient text describes the 魮 fish (魮鱼) as having a human face.
  • In mythology, the 魮 (魮) is said to inhabit certain rivers.
  • Some legends mention the 魮 fish (魮鱼) as an auspicious creature.

Collocations

  • pí yú(魮鱼)
  • chì pí(赤魮)
  • wén pí(文魮)
  • zhū pí(珠魮)
  • pí zhī yú(魮之鱼)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Mentioned in classical Chinese texts like the 'Classic of Mountains and Seas' (《山海经》) as a mythical fish.
  • Often depicted with a human face and fish body, symbolizing the intersection of human and natural worlds.
  • Considered an auspicious or rare creature in some folklore traditions.

FAQ