麒麟鹿
kî-lîn-lo̍k
The English word giraffe is 麒麟鹿 (kî-lîn-lo̍k) in Hokkien.
The word refers to the mammalian animal known as a giraffe.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 麒麟鹿 is a compound consisting of qilin (a mythical creature) and deer.
Which one should you use?
While 麒麟鹿 is the default form, you may also use 長頸鹿 (chîng-káng-lo̍k), which literally means 'long-necked deer'. Additionally, the informal term Tsiâu-bí is used to emphasize the animal's long neck.
How do you pronounce it?
kî-lîn-lo̍k
Did you know?
- The Hokkien word 麒麟鹿 classifies the giraffe as a type of 'deer', despite the animal belonging to a completely different evolutionary family.
- The mythical 麒麟 is often considered a symbol of prosperity and benevolence. By calling the giraffe a 麒麟鹿, the language imbues the animal with these auspicious qualities.
- The use of 麒麟 in 麒麟鹿 refers to a mythical chimeric creature from East Asian mythology. Early explorers and translators used this term because the giraffe's unique appearance reminded them of the legendary beast.
Examples in context
- 動物園有一隻麒麟鹿。dong-buat-zun u it tsiah khi-lin-lu.There is a giraffe in the zoo.
- 麒麟鹿的頸項真長。khi-lin-lu ê keng-kiâng tsin tsiông.The giraffe's neck is very long.
Example conversation
Meiling and Zhiming are visiting a zoo.
- 美玲 Mei-ling志明，你看麒麟鹿！Tsi-bêng, lí khoànn kî-lîn-lo͘!Zhiming, look at the giraffe!
- 志明 Chi-ming哇，它真的很大隻。Wah, i tsin-ê tōa-tsiah.Wow, it is really huge.
- 美玲 Mei-ling麒麟鹿在吃樹葉。Kî-lîn-lo͘ tsāi chia̍h tsiū-ia̍p.The giraffe is eating tree leaves.
- 志明 Chi-ming牠的舌頭也是紅色的。I ê siat-thâu iā-sī âng-sek ê.Its tongue is also red.
