Meanings of 蟹
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About 蟹
Podcast: 蟹
Podcast: 蟹
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AI Study Notes for 蟹
螃蟹 (pángxiè) vs 蟹 (xiè): Use 螃蟹 when specifically referring to the edible crab commonly found in markets, while 蟹 can refer more generally to crabs in various contexts.
Learners often confuse 蟹 (xiè) with similar-sounding words like 些 (xiē), which means 'some' or 'few.' It's important to use 蟹 in food-related contexts or when discussing marine life. Additionally, be aware of the tone; it is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone).
Though 蟹 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it is related to other food terms that might be studied in beginner levels. Students should focus on pronunciation and the context in which it's used, especially when discussing meals or markets.
Learners often mistakenly say 蟹 (xiè) with the wrong tone, such as using the 1st tone (xiē) instead. Additionally, it's incorrect to use it in contexts unrelated to food, like calling a spider 蟹, which is not appropriate.
Pronunciation of 蟹
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Etymology of 蟹
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 解 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蠏.
insect
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 蟹
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 解 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蠏.
- 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half解 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 蟹? 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
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Decomposition of 蟹
Identify the Components
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How to say crab, brachyura in Chinese
“crab, brachyura” in Chinese is蟹
The character 蟹 (xiè) refers specifically to crabs, a type of crustacean found in various aquatic environments. It is commonly used in culinary contexts, especially in Chinese cuisine where crabs are considered a delicacy. The word can also appear in idiomatic expressions and cultural references related to food and nature.
When to use 蟹
Learners often confuse 蟹 (xiè) with similar-sounding words like 些 (xiē), which means 'some' or 'few.' It's important to use 蟹 in food-related contexts or when discussing marine life. Additionally, be aware of the tone; it is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone).
蟹 or something close to it
螃蟹 (pángxiè) vs 蟹 (xiè): Use 螃蟹 when specifically referring to the edible crab commonly found in markets, while 蟹 can refer more generally to crabs in various contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly say 蟹 (xiè) with the wrong tone, such as using the 1st tone (xiē) instead. Additionally, it's incorrect to use it in contexts unrelated to food, like calling a spider 蟹, which is not appropriate.
Write 蟹
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Practice writing 蟹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 蟹
蟹 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
有炒米粉 、 红烧猪蹄 、 清蒸螃____, 还有鱼丸汤.
There are fried rice, stewed pork leg, steamed crab, and fish soup.
Example Sentences for 蟹 (1)
Word Family of 蟹
Compound Meaning
What does 蟹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蟹
蟹 specifically refers to crabs, while other terms like 鱼 (yú) refer to fish and 虾 (xiā) to shrimp.
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