鮫 (jiāo) - Shark & mythical mermaid or sea creature

鮫Tone 1

jiāo ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

健傑

鮫 · jiāo

Shark;

mythical mermaid or sea creature;

traditionally refers to sharks or legendary aquatic beings.

Sharkmythical mermaid or sea creaturetraditionally refers to sharks or legendary aquatic beings.

Usage highlights

Jiaoren mermaidSharkJiaoxiao clothJiaojing pearlShark skinJiaolong sea dragon

Synonyms

  • 鲨— shark (more common modern term)
  • 人鱼— mermaid

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The shark's fin is a delicacy (鱼翅 from 鲨鱼, but 鲛 can refer to sharks).
  • In mythology, the jiaoren is a mermaid-like creature (鲛人).
  • Shark skin was used for sanding (鲛鲨皮).
  • Legend says jiaoren weave cloth underwater (鲛绡).

Collocations

  • Jiaoren mermaid(鲛人)
  • Shark(鲛鲨)
  • Jiaoxiao cloth(鲛绡)
  • Jiaojing pearl(鲛珠)
  • Shark skin(鲛皮)
  • Jiaolong sea dragon(鲛龙)

Idioms

  • Tears of the jiaoren turning to pearls(鲛人泣珠)
  • Jiaoxiao, the legendary silk(鲛绡)
  • Jiaolong in troubled waters(鲛龙得水)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese mythology, jiaoren are mermaid-like beings who live in the South Sea and weave exquisite cloth called jiaoxiao.
  • Legend says when jiaoren cry, their tears turn into pearls.
  • The character appears in classical texts like Soushen Ji (Search for the Supernatural) and Shu Yi Ji (Records of Strange Things).

FAQ