龍 / 龙
lóng
The English word "dragon" is translated into Mandarin as 龍 / 龙 (lóng).
The word refers to the mythical creature.
Meaning: mythical creature (noun)
Which one should you use?
The form 龙 is the simplified Chinese character used in mainland China, while 龍 is the traditional character used in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The form лун is the Dungan way to say the word.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form лун is used in Dungan, while 龙 is used in mainland China and 龍 is used in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
How do you pronounce it?
lóng
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, the dragon is a benevolent and auspicious symbol of power and good fortune, unlike the often malevolent dragons in Western folklore.
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese astrology, the dragon is the only mythical creature among the twelve zodiac animals.
- Chinese people often refer to themselves as 'descendants of the dragon' to express national and cultural identity.
- During the Western Zhou period, the character's body was drawn with a large bulge to look like a snake that had just swallowed a large animal.
Examples in context
- 我喜欢中国文化里的龙。I like the dragons in Chinese culture.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dragon” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 龍, CC BY-SA 4.0.
