蟋蟀
xīshuài
The English word "cricket" translates to Chinese as 蟋蟀 (xīshuài).
Meaning: game (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English speakers might use 'cricket' loosely, in Chinese, 蟋蟀 (xīshuài) specifically refers to the cricket, whereas 蚂蚱 is used for grasshoppers or locusts.
How do you pronounce it?
xīshuài
Did you know?
- In China, 蟋蟀 are not just insects but are prized as pets for their singing voices. Enthusiasts breed them in specialized cages and hold high-stakes fighting competitions between male crickets.
- The name 蟋蟀 is actually an onomatopoeic reduplication, meaning the word was originally designed to mimic the sound of the insect's chirping.
- During the Qing Dynasty, the obsession with 蟋蟀 became so intense that some officials were rumored to spend fortunes on a single champion cricket.
Examples in context
- 那不是蟋蟀。是蚂蚱！That's not a cricket, that's a grasshopper.This example shows how to distinguish a 蟋蟀 from a grasshopper.Tatoeba #448222 by GlossaMatik, translation #10345160 by sundown
- 籠子裡的蟋蟀吃得跟野生的蟋蟀一樣多。A caged cricket eats just as much as a free cricket.This example compares the eating habits of a caged 蟋蟀 to a wild one.Tatoeba #761298 by Martha, translation #646789 by kebukebu
- 我在花园里看到一只蟋蟀。I saw a cricket in the garden.
- 他是一个技艺高超的板球运动员。He is a skilled cricket player.
- 咱们一块儿去听蟋蟀叫吧。Let's go and listen to the sound of crickets together.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Jiayi are at a pet market.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这只蟋蟀叫得真响。Zhè zhī xīshuài jiào de zhēn xiǎng.This cricket makes a very loud sound.
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，它的声音很好听。Shì de, tā de shēngyīn hěn hǎotīng.Yes, its voice sounds very nice.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你觉得它贵不贵？Nǐ juéde tā guì bù guì?Do you think it is expensive?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我觉得价格很合理。Wǒ juéde jiàgé hěn hélǐ.I think the price is reasonable.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 蟋蟀, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
