丑老鼠
chǒu lǎo shǔ
The English phrase "ugly rat" is translated into Chinese as 丑老鼠 (chǒu lǎo shǔ).
This phrase is used to describe a rodent that is not pleasant to look at.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is chǒu lǎo shǔ.
Did you know?
- While 丑 means 'ugly', it is also the word for the second earthly branch of the Chinese zodiac, which is represented by the ox.
- In Chinese astrology, the 'Rat' is the first sign of the zodiac and is actually considered a symbol of luck and prosperity, which makes the concept of an 'ugly' or unlucky rat quite a contradiction.
- While 丑 means 'ugly', it is also a common surname in China, so a person named 'Chou' might find the phrase slightly more personal than intended if used carelessly.
Examples in context
- 他的宠物老鼠真难看！His pet rat is really ugly!
- 你真是只丑陋的老鼠！You're truly an ugly rat!
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Jiayi are looking at a rodent in a cage.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你看，这只丑老鼠好奇怪。Nǐ kàn, zhè zhī chǒu lǎoshǔ hǎo qíguài.Look, this ugly rat is so strange.
- 佳怡 Jiayi确实，它长得太丑了。Quèshí, tā zhǎng de tài chǒu le.Indeed, it looks too ugly.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你觉得它可爱吗？Nǐ juéde tā kě'ài ma?Do you think it's cute?
- 佳怡 Jiayi一点也不可爱。Yīdiǎn yě bù kě'ài.Not cute at all.
