鯰 (nián) - Catfish — refers to various species of freshwater

鯰Tone 2

nián ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

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鯰 · nián

Catfish — refers to various species of freshwater catfish, particularly the Amur catfish (Silurus asotus).

Catfish — refers to various species of freshwater

Usage highlights

CatfishAmur catfishCatfish soupCatfish headCatfish stewCatfish species

Synonyms

  • 鮎— Alternative form for catfish
  • 鯰魚— Catfish (full term)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We caught a large catfish (大鯰魚) in the river.
  • Catfish soup is a delicacy in some regions (鯰魚湯).
  • The fisherman specializes in catching catfish (捕鯰魚).
  • This aquarium has a tank for catfish (鯰魚缸).

Collocations

  • Catfish(鯰魚)
  • Amur catfish(土鯰)
  • Catfish soup(鯰魚湯)
  • Catfish head(鯰魚頭)
  • Catfish stew(紅燒鯰魚)
  • Catfish species(鯰科)

Idioms

  • As slippery as a catfish(滑如鯰魚)
  • Catfish effect — stimulating competition(鯰魚效應)
  • Like a catfish in muddy water(渾水摸鯰)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese cuisine, catfish is valued for its tender, boneless meat and is often used in soups and stews.
  • The 'catfish effect' metaphor describes how introducing competition can revitalize a stagnant system.
  • Catfish are sometimes associated with slippery, elusive qualities in folk expressions.

FAQ