小熊貓 / 小熊猫
xiǎoxióngmāo
The English phrase 'red panda' is translated into Chinese as 小熊貓 / 小熊猫 (xiǎoxióngmāo). Wiktionary also lists 紅熊貓 / 红熊猫 (hóngxióngmāo) and 紅貓熊 / 红猫熊 (hóngmāoxióng).
Meaning: Ailurus fulgens (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 小熊貓 / 小熊猫 | xiǎoxióngmāo |
| 紅熊貓 / 红熊猫 | hóngxióngmāo |
| 紅貓熊 / 红猫熊 | hóngmāoxióng |
| 九節狼 / 九节狼 | jiǔjiéláng |
| 金狗 | jīngǒu |
| 喜馬拉雅小貓熊 / 喜马拉雅小猫熊 | Xǐmǎlāyǎ xiǎomāoxióng |
| 西方小熊猫 | Xīfāng xiǎoxióngmāo |
The most common way to refer to the animal is through terms meaning 'little panda'. More specific terms can be used to describe the species, such as 喜馬拉雅小貓熊 / 喜马拉雅小猫熊 for the Himalayan red panda or the more specialized/traditional name 九節狼 / 九节狼, which translates to 'nine-section wolf'.
What does it mean word for word?
The common term 小熊貓 / 小熊猫 literally means 'little panda'.
Which one should you use?
While 小熊貓 / 小熊猫 is the standard term, you may also encounter 紅熊貓 / 红熊猫, 紅貓熊 / 红猫熊 or the traditional 九節狼 / 九节狼. To specifically identify the Himalayan red panda, use 喜馬拉雅小貓熊 / 喜马拉雅小猫熊.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the regional term for red panda is 小熊貓.
How do you pronounce it?
xiǎoxióngmāo
Did you know?
- The term 金狗 / 金狗 is an archaic, rare name for the species that translates to 'gold dog', which is quite a departure from its actual appearance.
- In Chinese, the word for panda 熊貓 is a compound of 'bear' 熊 and 'cat' 貓. This linguistic blend mirrors the animal's biological mystery, as it shares traits with both families.
- The name 小熊貓 was popularized after the giant panda became a national symbol of China. This led to the red panda being rebranded as the 'little' sibling to the more famous animal.
Examples in context
- 小熊猫是中国的珍稀物种之一。Red pandas are one of China's endangered species.
- 这只小熊猫有着迷人的红色和黑白相间的毛色。This red panda has a charming coat with a mix of red, black, and white colors.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “red panda” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
