How to Write 蛎 (lì) — Meaning “oyster”

Imagine an oyster (虫) that has a layered shell like the pages of a calendar (历). The left side is the creature, and the right side reminds you of a calendar, because oysters grow rings over time. This visual link helps you recall both the sound and meaning.

Write the left radical 虫 first with 6 strokes: vertical, horizontal bend, horizontal, vertical, tip, then dot. Then write 历 (5 strokes): left-slanting horizontal (厂), then 力 (hook). A common mistake is making the 虫 radical too wide or writing 历 with 广 instead of 厂 — keep 历 narrow and the hook of 力 strong.

All three share the 虫 radical, but the right side differs. 蛎 has 历 (calendar) and means "oyster." 虹 has 工 (work) and means "rainbow." 虺 has 兀 (bald) and means "venomous snake." Visually, 历 is taller and has the 力 component, while 工 is a simple horizontal, and 兀 is a flat top with a child-like shape.

蛎 is rarely used alone; it appears in the common word 牡蛎 (mǔ lì, oyster). It also forms 蛎黄 (lì huáng, oyster meat) and 蛎壳 (lì ké, oyster shell). Culturally, oysters are a popular seafood in coastal China, often eaten grilled, steamed, or in soups, and 牡蛎 is also used in traditional medicine for its health benefits.

Common words containing 蛎 include: 牡蛎 (mǔ lì) — oyster; 蛎黄 (lì huáng) — oyster meat; 蛎壳 (lì ké) — oyster shell.