鲤 (lǐ) - Carp — a freshwater fish, especially the common & symbol of perseverance and success in Chinese culture

鲤Tone 3

lǐ ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

鲤 · lǐ

Carp — a freshwater fish, especially the common carp;

symbol of perseverance and success in Chinese culture;

also appears in the legend of carp leaping over the Dragon Gate.

Carp — a freshwater fish, especially the commonsymbol of perseverance and success in Chinese culturealso appears in the legend of carp leaping

Usage highlights

Common carpCarp leaping over Dragon GateCarp streamerCarp hillCarpGolden carp

Synonyms

  • 鱼— fish (general term)
  • 锦鲤— koi carp (ornamental variety)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I saw a large carp in the pond (池塘里有一条大鲤鱼).
  • Carp is a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine (鲤鱼是中式烹饪的常见食材).
  • The carp leaped over the waterfall (鲤鱼跃过了瀑布).
  • We visited the Carp Hill scenic area (我们游览了鲤鱼山景区).

Collocations

  • Common carp(鲤鱼)
  • Carp leaping over Dragon Gate(鲤鱼跳龙门)
  • Carp streamer(鲤鱼旗)
  • Carp hill(鲤鱼山)
  • Carp-shaped pastry(鲤鱼饼)
  • Golden carp(金鲤鱼)

Idioms

  • Carp leaping over the Dragon Gate (鲤鱼跳龙门) — achieving success against odds
  • Like a carp getting water (如鱼得水) — in one's element
  • Carp's scales and dragon's bones (鲤鳞龙骨) — describing something precious

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The carp symbolizes perseverance, success, and advancement in Chinese culture, derived from the legend of carp transforming into dragons.
  • In Japanese culture, carp streamers (koinobori) are flown during Children's Day to wish boys success and strength.
  • The carp is one of the most auspicious fish in Chinese symbolism, representing wealth and good fortune.

FAQ