龍蝦 / 龙虾
lóngxiā
The English word lobster is translated into Chinese as 龍蝦 / 龙虾 (lóngxiā). If unsure, use 龍蝦 / 龙虾. Wiktionary also lists 海螯蝦 / 海螯虾 (hǎiáoxiā).
Meaning: crustacean (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 龍蝦 / 龙虾 | lóngxiā |
| 海螯蝦 / 海螯虾 | hǎiáoxiā |
龍蝦 / 龙虾 is the most common and widely recognized term for lobster in Mandarin Chinese. This term is used for both the animal itself and the dish in a culinary context.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 龍蝦 / 龙虾 literally means 'dragon shrimp'.
Which one should you use?
龍蝦 / 龙虾 is the common, everyday term for lobster, whereas 海螯蝦 / 海螯虾 is a more technical or biological term.
How do you pronounce it?
lóngxiā
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, the term 龍蝦 / 龙虾 links a seafood item to the most auspicious creature in mythology. This connection elevates the lobster from a simple crustacean to a symbol of status and grandeur on the dining table.
- In Cantonese-speaking regions, the way you refer to a lobster may change depending on whether you are talking about a spiny lobster or a clawed lobster. A single English word 'lobster' often requires more specific distinction in local dialects.
- The character 螯 / 螯 inside the formal word for lobster specifically denotes a 'claw' or 'pincer'. This highlights a physical distinction that the more common 'dragon shrimp' term leaves out.
Example sentences for Chinese are not verified yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lobster” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
