木兰
Mùlán
The English phrase "mulan" translates to Chinese as 木兰 (Mùlán).
木兰 can refer to a warrior or serve as a name for specific locations.
Meaning: warrior, locations (name)
How do you pronounce it?
Mùlán
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, the name is most famously associated with the legendary heroine Hua Mulan from the folk ballad of the same name.
Did you know?
- The name 木兰 (Mùlán) literally translates to 'magnolia' in English. This botanical connection provides a poetic, soft contrast to the fierce warrior imagery associated with the name.
- In the original folk ballad, 木兰 does not fight to save her father's life, but rather to preserve the family's honor and fulfill a mandatory military draft.
- The ballad of 木兰 (Mùlán) is one of the few traditional Chinese stories that focuses on the concept of filial piety through the act of deception rather than through obedience.
Examples in context
- 传说中，木兰保护了国家。Chuánshuō zhōng, Mùlán bǎohùle guójiā.In the legend, Mulan protected the country.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a movie they just watched.
- 俊杰 Junjie你觉得这部电影怎么样？Nǐ juéde zhè bù diànyǐng zěnmeyàng?What did you think of this movie?
- 雨婷 Yuting我觉得木兰非常勇敢。Wǒ juéde Mùlán fēicháng yǒnggǎn.I think Mulan is very brave.
- 俊杰 Junjie没错，她是一个真正的战士。Méicuò, tā shì yīgè zhēnzhèng de zhànshì.That's right, she is a true warrior.
- 雨婷 Yuting这就是我喜欢这个角色的原因。Zhè jiùshì wǒ xǐhuān zhège juésè de yuányīn.That is why I like this character.
