独角兽
dújiǎoshòu
The Chinese word for unicorn is 独角兽 (dújiǎoshòu).
独角兽 is used to refer to the mythical horselike creature.
Meaning: mythical horselike creature (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 独 (single), 角 (horn) and 兽 (beast/animal), literally meaning 'single horn beast'.
How do you pronounce it?
dújiǎoshòu
Did you know?
- In ancient Chinese mythology, the creature most similar to a unicorn is the 麒麟, known as the Qilin. While the Western 独角兽 is often depicted as a horse, the traditional Qilin is a more complex, chimeric creature with scales.
- The term 独角兽 is frequently used in modern Chinese financial markets to describe 'unicorns', which refers to private startup companies valued at over one billion dollars. This is an identical metaphor to the one used in English.
- The word 角 (horn) is also used in Chinese to refer to a 'corner' or a 'small angle', creating a visual pun in calligraphy when describing the unicorn's horn.
Examples in context
- 我喜欢独角兽，因为它们代表神奇和纯洁。I like unicorns because they represent magic and purity.
- 那只独角兽很可爱。Nà zhī dújiǎoshòu hěn kě'ài.That unicorn is very cute.
- 书里有一只独角兽。Shū lǐ yǒu yī zhī dújiǎoshòu.There is a unicorn in the book.
- 我想要一个独角兽玩具。Wǒ xiǎng yào yīgè dújiǎoshòu wánjù.I want a unicorn toy.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a picture book together.
- 浩然 Haoran佳怡，你看这匹独角兽。Jiāyí, nǐ kàn zhè pǐ dújiǎoshòu.Jiayi, look at this unicorn.
- 佳怡 Jiayi它的颜色真漂亮！Tā de yánsè zhēn piàoliang!Its colors are so beautiful!
- 浩然 Haoran我希望能看到真的独角兽。Wǒ xīwàng néng kàndào zhēn de dújiǎoshòu.I wish I could see a real unicorn.
- 佳怡 Jiayi但它们并不真实存在。Dàn tāmen bìng bù zhēnshí cúnzài.But they don't actually exist.
