鱔 (shàn) - Eel — refers to various species of eels,

鱔Tone 4

shàn ｜ 23 strokes ｜ radical:

善上

鱔 · shàn

Eel — refers to various species of eels, particularly the Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus) and ricefield eel, which are commonly consumed as food in Chinese cuisine.

Eel — refers to various species of eels,

Usage highlights

Eel noodlesFried eel slicesEel riceLive eelEel bloodEel bone

Synonyms

  • 黄鳝— Asian swamp eel (most common type)
  • 鳝鱼— eel (general term)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We ordered braised eel (红烧鳝鱼) at the restaurant.
  • Eel is rich in protein and nutrients (鳝鱼营养丰富).
  • He caught an eel in the rice field (在稻田里抓到一条黄鳝).
  • Eel is often cooked with garlic (蒜子烧鳝段).

Collocations

  • Eel noodles(鳝鱼面)
  • Fried eel slices(爆炒鳝片)
  • Eel rice(鳝鱼饭)
  • Live eel(活鳝鱼)
  • Eel blood(鳝血)
  • Eel bone(鳝骨)

Idioms

  • Snake's head and eel's tail — starting strong but finishing weak(蛇头鳝尾)
  • Like an eel — slippery and hard to catch(如鳝之滑)
  • Eel in a bamboo tube — trapped with no way out(竹筒鳝鱼)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Eels are considered a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, especially in southern regions like Guangdong and Jiangsu.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, eel is believed to nourish the blood and strengthen the body.
  • Eels are associated with flexibility and adaptability due to their slippery, sinuous nature.

FAQ