松狮犬
sōngshīquǎn
The English phrase "chow chow" is translated into Chinese as 松狮犬 (sōngshīquǎn).
松狮犬 is a noun used to refer to the specific dog breed known as the Chow Chow.
Meaning: dog breed (noun)
Which one should you use?
The full term for the breed is 松狮犬, but in casual conversation, the character 犬 is often dropped and people simply refer to the breed as 松狮.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is sōngshīquǎn.
Did you know?
- The name 松狮 literally translates to 'pine lion'. This reflects the breed's appearance, as their fluffy coat resembles a pine tree and their face resembles the traditional 'guardian lions' found at the entrances of Chinese temples.
- The 'lion' in 松狮 (sōngshī) refers to the 'guardian lions' or 'Foo Dogs' seen at temple entrances, rather than a literal wild lion.
- While 'chow chow' is a borrowed name in English, the Chinese name 松狮 (sōngshī) is an original descriptive name based on the dog's physical traits.
Examples in context
- 哇，它们长得像小熊。Wow, they look like little bears.
- 是的，小熊犬的外貌特点就是像小熊一样。Yes, the little bear dog's physical characteristic is that it looks like a little bear.
- 那只松狮犬很可爱。Nà zhǐ sōngshīquǎn hěn kě'ài.That chow chow is very cute.
- 我想要养一只松狮犬。Wǒ xiǎng yào yǎng yì zhǐ sōngshīquǎn.I want to raise a chow chow.
- 这种松狮犬的毛很厚。Zhè zhǒng sōngshīquǎn de máo hěn hòu.This breed of chow chow has very thick fur.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a puppy in a pet store.
- 伟 Wei你看，那是一只松狮犬吗？Nǐ kàn, nà shì yì zhǐ sōngshīquǎn ma?Look, is that a chow chow?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，它是松狮犬。Shì de, tā shì sōngshīquǎn.Yes, it is a chow chow.
- 伟 Wei它的颜色非常漂亮。Tā de yánsè fēicháng piàoliang.Its color is very beautiful.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没错，它真的很可爱。Méi cuò, tā zhēn de hěn kě'ài.That's right, it is really cute.
