鲤 lǐ carp
How to remember 鲤: 鱼 fish + 里 in = carp. Every fish in the park pond is small, except the fat golden one swimming in circles, grandpa's favourite carp.
Component breakdown
鲤 = 鱼 fish + 里 in
- 鱼 fish
- 里 in
- 日 sun
- 土 earth
Every fish in the park pond is small, except the fat golden one swimming in circles, grandpa's favourite carp.
How it is used
- Carp - 鲤鱼 (lǐyú), a culturally loaded fish. 鲤鱼跳龙门 (lǐyú tiào lóngmén) 'a carp leaping the dragon gate' = achieving a great breakthrough (e.g. passing a tough exam).
- Bound: appears as 鲤鱼, not alone. Carp are auspicious symbols of luck and perseverance in Chinese culture.