About
蟹 is a phono-semantic compound: a character type that combines a meaning-carrying radical with a sound-carrying component. It is the simplified form of 蠏, where the original left-right structure (虫 on the left, 解 on the right) was rearranged into today's top-bottom layout. The radical 虫, meaning 'insect,' places the crab in the broad traditional category that includes insects, worms, reptiles, and crustaceans. Above it, 解 provides the sound and itself means 'to loosen, untie, or dissect.' This component is a compound of 角 (horn), 刀 (knife), and 牛 (cow), picturing the cutting up of an animal. The character means crab, a ten-legged crustacean known for its hard exoskeleton, powerful pincers, and distinctive sideways walk. The meaning of 解 is especially fitting: crabs periodically molt, shedding their hard outer shell to grow, a process that visually aligns with loosening or detaching from an outer layer.
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。
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