lei5 jyu2鯉魚鲤鱼
Jyutpinglei5 jyu2
Yaleléih yú
Definition
Carp, specifically the common carp or its decorative varieties like koi.
neutralanimalsnature
How it's used
Refers specifically to the common carp found in freshwater environments. While often associated with the ornamental fish kept in garden ponds, locals distinguish between the wild variety and the more colorful, expensive breeds known as 錦鯉. The term carries cultural weight due to the idiom 鯉躍龍門, which symbolizes academic or career success after overcoming great obstacles.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
There are many carp swimming around in the pond.
Have you ever seen a carp jump out of the water?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 鯉魚 with 錦鯉. While 錦鯉 is a type of carp, it is specifically bred for its aesthetic patterns and is rarely referred to as just 鯉魚 in a casual context when discussing pet fish.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
