鰱 (lián) - Silver carp — a species of freshwater fish

鰱Tone 2

lián ｜ 21 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

鰱 · lián

Silver carp — a species of freshwater fish in the carp family, commonly found in Chinese rivers and used in cuisine.

Silver carp — a species of freshwater fish

Usage highlights

Silver carpBighead carpCarp familyFishing for carpCarp breedingSteamed carp

Synonyms

  • 白鰱— white silver carp (specific variety)
  • 鰱子— carp (colloquial)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We caught a silver carp (鰱魚) in the lake.
  • Silver carp is often used in Chinese hot pot (火鍋).
  • The fish farm specializes in breeding silver carp (養殖鰱魚).
  • This dish features steamed silver carp (清蒸鰱魚).

Collocations

  • Silver carp(鰱魚)
  • Bighead carp(大頭鰱)
  • Carp family(鰱科)
  • Fishing for carp(釣鰱魚)
  • Carp breeding(鰱魚養殖)
  • Steamed carp(清蒸鰱魚)

Idioms

  • Like a carp leaping over the dragon gate(鰱躍龍門)
  • Carp in troubled waters(混水摸鰱)
  • As plentiful as carp in the river(多如江鰱)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Silver carp is one of the 'Four Great Domestic Fishes' in Chinese aquaculture along with black carp, grass carp, and bighead carp.
  • In Chinese culture, carp symbolize perseverance and success, as seen in the legend of carp leaping over the Dragon Gate to become dragons.
  • Silver carp are important in Chinese cuisine, particularly in soups and steamed dishes.

FAQ