Meanings of 蝦
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蝦
Podcast: 蝦
Podcast: 蝦
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 蝦
虾 (xiā) vs 龙虾 (lóngxiā) — choose 蝦 for smaller shrimp varieties, while 龙虾 refers specifically to lobsters.
蝦 is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is particularly common in culinary discussions. A common mistake is confusing it with other seafood terms like 魚 (yú, fish) or 蟹 (xiè, crab). Remember to use the correct tone; xiā has a high level tone.
While 蝦 is not included in the official HSK levels, it is a useful word for learners interested in food and dining vocabulary. Students should focus on its pronunciation and practice using it in common phrases related to seafood.
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 蝦 as 'xiá' (with a falling tone) instead of 'xiā.' Additionally, some confuse it with other seafood words; for example, using 蝦 when they mean 魚 (fish).
Pronunciation of 蝦
Drill the tone of 蝦 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 蝦
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 下 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蝦.
insect
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 蝦
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 下 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蝦.
- 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half叚 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayinsect
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 蝦? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 蝦?
Decomposition of 蝦
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 蝦?
How to say shrimp, prawn in Chinese
“shrimp, prawn” in Chinese is蝦
蝦 (xiā) refers to shrimp or prawn, which are small, aquatic crustaceans commonly used in cooking and seafood dishes. In Chinese cuisine, they are appreciated for their flavor and versatility, often featured in stir-fries, soups, and as a key ingredient in dishes like shrimp dumplings.
When to use 蝦
蝦 is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is particularly common in culinary discussions. A common mistake is confusing it with other seafood terms like 魚 (yú, fish) or 蟹 (xiè, crab). Remember to use the correct tone; xiā has a high level tone.
蝦 or something close to it
虾 (xiā) vs 龙虾 (lóngxiā) — choose 蝦 for smaller shrimp varieties, while 龙虾 refers specifically to lobsters.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 蝦 as 'xiá' (with a falling tone) instead of 'xiā.' Additionally, some confuse it with other seafood words; for example, using 蝦 when they mean 魚 (fish).
Write 蝦
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 蝦 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 蝦
In Western cultures, shrimp is often seen as a delicacy and is commonly served in dishes like shrimp cocktails, while in China, it is more frequently incorporated into everyday meals.
Word Family of 蝦
Compound Meaning
What does 虾 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蝦
Yes, 蝦 can refer to both shrimp and prawn, though regional differences may exist in the specific types.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 蝦?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.