hóuzi
standard
In pinyin "monkey" in Chinese is hóuzi, written 猴子 (hóuzi). On its own the word is nearly always said with the ending zi. It is also called hóu.
Meaning: monkey (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Note |
|---|---|
| hóuzi | standard |
| hóu | in compounds |
Hóuzi is the everyday word for a monkey. The single syllable hóu turns up in compound words, for example the animal sign shǔ hóu for someone born in a monkey year.
How do you pronounce it?
Say hóu with a rising tone like a question and make zi light and short.
When do people say it?
The Monkey King, called Sūn Wùkōng, is a hero of the classic novel Xīyóu Jì and one of the most loved figures in Chinese stories.
Did you know?
- The monkey is the ninth animal of the Chinese zodiac.
Examples in context
- Dòngwùyuán li yǒu hěn duō hóuzi.There are many monkeys in the zoo.
- Hóuzi xǐhuan chī xiāngjiāo.Monkeys like to eat bananas.
- Tā shǔ hóu.He was born in a monkey year.
Example conversation
Little Bo and Mother visit the zoo.
- BoMāma, nǐ kàn, hóuzi!Mom, look, a monkey!
- MotherTā zài chī xiāngjiāo.It is eating a banana.
- BoWǒ yě xiǎng chī xiāngjiāo.I want a banana too.
