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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'perch' with 鲈鱼 (lúyú)

    Description & Modification
    Topic & Focus

    Explanation

    鲈鱼 (lúyú) means "perch" (the freshwater fish) and is a culturally significant word in Chinese, especially in classical poetry. The phrase 鲈鱼美 (the perch is delicious) alludes to the pleasures of simple, rural life. In the famous poem by Fan Zhongyan, it contrasts the beauty of the fish with the hardships of the fishermen who catch it.

    Examples

    • 这家餐厅的清蒸鲈鱼做得特别好吃。

      Zhè jiā cāntīng de qīngzhēng lúyú zuò de tèbié hǎochī.

      The steamed perch at this restaurant is especially delicious.

    • 鲈鱼是江南地区很受欢迎的淡水鱼。

      Lúyú shì Jiāngnán dìqū hěn shòu huānyíng de dànshuǐ yú.

      Perch is a very popular freshwater fish in the Jiangnan region.

    • 爸爸今天从市场上买了一条新鲜的鲈鱼回来。

      Bàba jīntiān cóng shìchǎng shàng mǎi le yī tiáo xīnxiān de lúyú huílái.

      Dad bought a fresh perch from the market today.

    Expressing 'perch' with 鲈鱼 (lúyú) | Chinese Grammar