鱗 (lín) - Scale — refers to the scales of fish, & also used metaphorically for things arranged like scales.

鱗Tone 2

lín ｜ 23 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

鱗 · lín

Scale — refers to the scales of fish, reptiles, or other animals;

also used metaphorically for things arranged like scales.

Scale — refers to the scales of fish,also used metaphorically for things arranged like scales.

Usage highlights

Fish scalesDragon scalesScale armorScaly skinScale arrangementScale pattern

Synonyms

  • 鳞片— scale (as a physical object)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Fish have scales (鱼鳞).
  • The dragon's scales shimmered (龙鳞 shimmered).
  • Reptilian skin often has scales (爬行动物的鳞片).
  • The roof tiles overlap like scales (鳞次栉比的瓦片).

Collocations

  • Fish scales(鱼鳞)
  • Dragon scales(龙鳞)
  • Scale armor(鳞甲)
  • Scaly skin(鳞状皮肤)
  • Scale arrangement(鳞次)
  • Scale pattern(鳞纹)

Idioms

  • Arranged in order like fish scales(鳞次栉比)
  • Scattered scales and torn fins(鳞伤鳍裂)
  • Dragon scales and phoenix feathers(龙鳞凤羽)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese mythology, dragons are covered in magnificent scales, symbolizing power and majesty.
  • Fish scales symbolize abundance and prosperity, as in the phrase '年年有余' (surplus every year), where '鱼' (fish) is a homophone for '余' (surplus).
  • The character appears in classical texts describing both real animals and mythical creatures.

FAQ