鲵 (ní) - Salamander — a type of amphibian, especially referring & also used metaphorically for a small or insignificant

鲵Tone 2

ní ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

楠念

鲵 · ní

Salamander — a type of amphibian, especially referring to the giant salamander;

also used metaphorically for a small or insignificant person.

Salamander — a type of amphibian, especially referringalso used metaphorically for a small or insignificant

Usage highlights

Giant salamanderSmall salamanderSalamander speciesSalamander habitat

Synonyms

  • 蝾螈— newt or salamander (general term)

Antonyms

  • 鲸— whale (antonym in size metaphor)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The giant salamander (大鲵) is an endangered species.
  • He collected a small salamander (小鲵) for his terrarium.
  • In some contexts, it refers metaphorically to a small person (小鲵).

Collocations

  • Giant salamander(大鲵)
  • Small salamander(小鲵)
  • Salamander species(鲵类)
  • Salamander habitat(鲵栖息地)

Idioms

  • Like a whale among minnows(鲸鲵之辨)
  • The whale and the salamander(鲸鲵)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese folklore, the giant salamander is sometimes associated with water deities or mythical creatures due to its size and aquatic nature.
  • The character is used metaphorically in classical texts to denote insignificance or smallness compared to something greater.

FAQ