About
蟹 is a phono-semantic compound. The insect radical 虫 at the bottom places it within the traditional category of insects, worms, reptiles, and crustaceans. The top portion is the component 解, which serves as the phonetic element. Composed of 角 (horn), 刀 (knife), and 牛 (cow), 解 carries meanings of loosening or dissecting. This choice is etymologically apt, as crabs must periodically shed their hard shells to grow, a process visually echoing the concept of detaching from an outer layer. The character specifically denotes a crab: a ten-legged crustacean with a hard exoskeleton, prominent pincers, and a distinctive sideways gait.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这只螃蟹有八条腿。
我昨天买了几只大螃蟹。
螃蟹的味道非常鲜美。
妈妈正在厨房里蒸螃蟹。
秋季是吃蟹的最佳季节。
他的性格有点横行霸道，像只螃蟹。
这家餐厅的招牌菜是香辣蟹。
保护红树林对于许多蟹类的生存至关重要。