护身符
hùshēnfú
The English phrase 'lucky charm' is translated into Chinese as 护身符 (hùshēnfú).
护身符 refers to a lucky charm or an amulet. While it can be used for a general lucky charm, it is most commonly used to describe an object or talisman believed to provide physical or spiritual protection.
Meaning: object kept for good luck (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 护 (hù) meaning 'to protect', 身 (shēn) meaning 'body' and 符 (fú) meaning 'talisman or charm'.
Which one should you use?
If you are referring to a 'lucky charm' in the sense of a mascot or a symbol of good luck, such as a specific character or animal, use 吉祥物 (jíxiángwù) instead.
How do you pronounce it?
hùshēnfú
Did you know?
- The character 符 (fú) also means 'to tally' or 'to match'. This comes from ancient times when a piece of wood or bamboo was split in two to prove identity.
- In modern slang, someone who brings luck to a team or group is sometimes called a 吉祥物, even if they are not the most skilled member.
- While 'lucky charm' is often a small physical object, many Chinese people express the same idea of 'luck' through the 'character' (字) of a specific word, such as 'fu' (prosperity), displayed on doors.
Examples in context
- 这个招财猫是我从日本带回来的。This lucky cat is the one I brought back from Japan.
- 这个护身符很漂亮。Zhège hùshēnfú hěn piàoliang.This lucky charm is very beautiful.
- 奶奶送了我一个护身符。Nǎinai sòngle wǒ yīgè hùshēnfú.My grandmother gave me a lucky charm.
- 你想买个护身符吗？Nǐ xiǎng mǎi gè hùshēnfú ma?Do you want to buy a lucky charm?
Example conversation
A young man and woman are walking through a temple market.
- 俊杰 Junjie佳怡，你看那个护身符。Jiāyí, nǐ kàn nàgè hùshēnfú.Jiayi, look at that lucky charm.
- 佳怡 Jiayi它看起来很有意思。Tā kàn qǐlái hěn yǒu yìsi.It looks very interesting.
- 俊杰 Junjie我打算买一个送给你。Wǒ dǎsuàn mǎi yīgè sòng gěi nǐ.I plan to buy one for you.
- 佳怡 Jiayi真的吗？谢谢你，俊杰。Zhēn de ma? Xièxiè nǐ, Jùnjié.Really? Thank you, Junjie.
