獨角獸
duk6 gok3 sau3
The Cantonese word for "unicorn" is 獨角獸 (duk6 gok3 sau3).
The term refers to the mythical horselike creature known as a unicorn.
Meaning: mythical horselike creature (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
獨角獸 is composed of 獨 (single), 角 (horn) and 獸 (beast or animal).
How do you pronounce it?
duk6 gok3 sau3
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese culture, the creature closest to a unicorn is the 麒麟 (qilin), which is often translated as 'unicorn' but is actually a chimeric creature with scales and a dragon-like head.
- In Cantonese business slang, the term 獨角獸 is used to describe 'unicorn startups', referring to private companies valued at over one billion dollars.
- The character 角 (gok3) means 'horn' in 獨角獸, but in other contexts it can refer to a 'corner' or even a 'musical note'.
Examples in context
- 我朋友送我一個獨角獸嘅玩具。My friend gave me a unicorn toy.
- 故事入面有一隻獨角獸。gu3 si6 jap6 min6 jau5 jat1 zek3 duk6 gok3 sau2.There is a unicorn in the story.
- 我鍾意獨角獸嘅卡通。ngo5 zung1 ji3 duk6 gok3 sau2 ge3 hong3 tung1.I like unicorn cartoons.
- 呢隻獨角獸係彩色嘅。ni1 zek3 duk6 gok3 sau2 hai6 coi3 sik1 ge3.This unicorn is colorful.
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are looking at a picture book.
- 家明 Ka Ming雅婷，你睇呢隻獨角獸。nga5 ting4, nei5 tai2 ni1 zek3 duk6 gok3 sau2.Ah Ting, look at this unicorn.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting佢好靚呀，家明。keoi5 hou2 leng3 aa3, kaa1 ming4.It is very beautiful, Ka Ming.
- 家明 Ka Ming佢有一隻角。keoi5 jau5 jat1 zek3 goek3.It has one horn.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting係呀，好特別。hai6 aa3, hou2 dak6 bit6.Yes, it is very special.
