Definition
白鱼 refers to two very different creatures depending on context. In most everyday conversation it means a type of freshwater fish (the topmouth culter), commonly eaten in Chinese cuisine. In a different context — especially when talking about books, clothing, or household pests — it can also mean the silverfish insect, which damages paper and fabric. The meaning is almost always clear from the situation, but you should be aware of both senses.
n.
whitefishtopmouth culter (a freshwater fish)silverfish (an insect that eats paper and clothing)
Examples
- 白鱼。Zhè dào qīngzhēng bái yú wèidào fēicháng xiānměi.This steamed whitefish dish tastes very delicious.
- 白鱼。Lǎo shū li cháng yǒu bái yú zhùshí de hénjì.Old books often have traces of silverfish damage.
- 白鱼。Tā diào le yì tiáo liǎng jīn zhòng de bái yú.He caught a whitefish weighing two jin.
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