鯢 (ní) - Salamander — refers to amphibians of the order & also used metaphorically for a small, weak person

鯢Tone 2

ní ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

楠念

鯢 · ní

Salamander — refers to amphibians of the order Caudata;

also used metaphorically for a small, weak person or creature.

Salamander — refers to amphibians of the orderalso used metaphorically for a small, weak person

Usage highlights

Giant salamanderSalamander fishJapanese salamanderSalamander in a wellSalamander tadpoleSalamander

Synonyms

  • 蠑螈— newt (another type of amphibian)

Antonyms

  • 龍— dragon (symbol of power and strength)
  • 虎— tiger (symbol of courage and ferocity)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The giant salamander is an endangered species (大鯢).
  • He kept a Japanese salamander as a pet (日本鯢).
  • The stream was home to many salamanders (鯢魚).
  • In literature, a weak ruler might be called a 'salamander in a well' (井底之鯢).

Collocations

  • Giant salamander(大鯢)
  • Salamander fish(鯢魚)
  • Japanese salamander(日本鯢)
  • Salamander in a well(井鯢)
  • Salamander tadpole(鯢蝌)
  • Salamander-like(類鯢)

Idioms

  • A frog in a well(井底之鯢)
  • The weak cannot contend with the strong(鯢鱗之爭)
  • To be trapped like a salamander in a dry well(枯井困鯢)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese mythology and literature, the salamander (鯢) is often used as a metaphor for something small, weak, or of limited perspective.
  • The giant salamander (大鯢) is a protected species in China and is culturally significant as one of the world's largest amphibians.
  • The character appears in classical texts like the Zhuangzi, where it symbolizes insignificance or limited understanding.

FAQ