功夫熊猫
gōngfu xióngmāo
The English phrase "kung fu panda" is translated into Chinese as 功夫熊猫 (gōngfu xióngmāo).
This phrase refers to the title of the animated movie series about a panda who learns martial arts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 功夫 (gōngfu), meaning "kung fu" or "martial arts skill" and 熊猫 (xióngmāo), meaning "panda". The word for panda, 熊猫, literally translates to "bear-cat".
How do you pronounce it?
gōngfu xióngmāo
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'kung fu' only for fighting, the word 功夫 actually refers to any skill acquired through hard work and time, such as the 'kung fu' of a master chef.
- In Chinese culture, the panda is often associated with the concept of 和, meaning 'harmony' and 'peace', which creates a comedic contrast with the violent nature of 功夫 in the film.
- Ancient Chinese texts did not have a word for 'panda' until they were categorized as 'bear-cats' 熊猫, because early explorers were confused about whether the animal was a bear or a member of the raccoon family.
Examples in context
- 我喜欢看电影《功夫熊猫》。I enjoy watching the movie "Kung Fu Panda."
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing which movie to watch.
- 梓涵 Zihan俊杰，我们要看什么电影？Jùnjié, wǒmen yào kàn shénme diànyǐng?Junjie, what movie are we going to watch?
- 俊杰 Junjie我们来看《功夫熊猫》吧。Wǒmen lái kàn 《Gōngfu Xióngmāo》 ba.Let's watch Kung Fu Panda.
- 梓涵 Zihan这个主意不错，梓涵很喜欢熊猫。Zhège zhǔyì bùcuò, Zǐhán hěn xǐhuān xióngmāo.That's a good idea, Zihan likes pandas very much.
- 俊杰 Junjie太好了，那我们现在就买票。Tài hǎole, nà wǒmen xiànzài jiù mǎi piào.Great, let's buy the tickets now.
