刺猬
cìwei
The English word "hedgehog" is 刺猬 (cìwei) in Chinese.
刺猬 is the noun used to refer to the animal known as a hedgehog.
Meaning: animal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 刺 (cì), meaning 'thorn' or 'to prick' and 猬 (wei), which refers to the hedgehog itself.
How do you pronounce it?
cìwei
Did you know?
- The character 刺 in 刺猬 is also used in the word for '刺客' (cìkè), which means 'assassin'. This is because both words share the core meaning of 'piercing' or 'stabbing'.
- In Chinese internet slang, 刺猬 is sometimes used to describe a 'tsundere' personality. It refers to someone who acts prickly and defensive on the outside but is soft and kind on the inside.
- There is a traditional Chinese folk belief that hedgehogs are symbols of longevity and protection. Because of their quills, they were historically seen as animals capable of warding off evil spirits.
Examples in context
- 你见过刺猬吗？Have you ever seen a hedgehog?
- 这只刺猬真可爱！This hedgehog is so adorable!
- 那只刺猬很可爱。Nà zhī cìwei hěn kě'ài.That hedgehog is very cute.
- 刺猬身上有很多刺。Cìwei shēnshang yǒu hěnduō cì.A hedgehog has many spines on its body.
Example conversation
At a children's zoo.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你看，那有一只刺猬！Nǐ kàn, nà yǒu yī zhī cìwei!Look, there is a hedgehog over there!
- 梓涵 Zihan它在吃东西吗？Tā zài chī dōngxi ma?Is it eating something?
- 志强 Zhiqiang是的，它看起来很饿。Shì de, tā kàn qǐlái hěn è.Yes, it looks hungry.
- 梓涵 Zihan真有趣。Zhēn yǒuqù.How interesting.
