How to Write 鲰 (zōu) — Meaning “Small fish”

Imagine a fish (鱼) being taken (取) from the water — it's just a tiny small fish, not worth keeping. The idea of taking a small fish away helps link the components to the meaning 'small fish'.

The left radical 鱼 has 8 strokes: write the top part (⺈) first, then the middle field, and finally the bottom horizontal line. The right side 取 has 8 strokes as well, starting with the ear radical (耳) and ending with the right side component (又). Be careful to keep the left and right parts balanced, with the fish radical slightly narrower.

鲰 (zōu) means small fish, while 鲑 (guī) means salmon or trout, and 鲒 (jié) refers to a type of clam or shellfish. Visually, the right sides differ: 鲰 has 取 (take), 鲑 has 圭 (precious jade), and 鲒 has 吉 (lucky). Their meanings and pronunciations are completely different, so check the right component carefully.

The character 鲰 is very rare in modern Chinese and appears mostly in classical literature or idioms. It is used in words like 鲰生 (zōu shēng, a humble person) and 鲰才 (zōu cái, a person of little talent) to express modesty or self-deprecation. You are unlikely to encounter it in everyday conversation.

Common words containing 鲰 include: 鲰生 (zōu shēng) — A person of humble birth; 鲰鱼 (zōu yú) — Small fish; 鲰才 (zōu cái) — A person of little talent.