sư tử núi
The English phrase "mountain lion" is translated into Vietnamese as sư tử núi.
The term refers to a large wild cat native to North America, also known as a cougar or puma.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sư tử, which means lion and núi, which means mountain.
Which one should you use?
While sư tử refers to a standard lion, sư tử núi is used specifically for the mountain lion.
Did you know?
- The word tử in sư tử comes from the Chinese character for 'child'.
- In Vietnamese, the word sư tử is used both for the biological lion and as a general term for the mythical guardian lions seen in East Asian architecture.
- Even though the phrase literally translates to 'mountain lion', a Vietnamese speaker would never use it to describe a real lion living in the mountains.
Examples in context
- Một con sư tử núi có thể nhảy lên cành cây cao nhất để săn mồi.A mountain lion can jump onto the highest branch to hunt for prey.
- Tôi thấy một con sư tử núi trong phim.I saw a mountain lion in a movie.
- Sư tử núi là loài động vật rất mạnh mẽ.A mountain lion is a very powerful animal.
- Bạn có biết về loài sư tử núi không?Do you know about the mountain lion?
Example conversation
Nam and Chi are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- NamCon sư tử núi đó thật lớn.That mountain lion is so large.
- ChiĐúng vậy, nó trông rất đáng sợ.Yes, it looks very scary.
- NamChi ơi, nó có nguy hiểm không?Chi, is it dangerous?
- ChiCó, nó là một kẻ săn mồi.Yes, it is a predator.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sư, tử, CC BY-SA 4.0.
