白竜
hakuryū
The English phrase "white dragon" is translated into Japanese as 白竜 (hakuryū).
白竜 refers to a mythical creature characterized by having white scales.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 白 (white) and 竜 (dragon).
How do you pronounce it?
hakuryū
Did you know?
- The sound ryū is used in the word 竜巻 for 'tornado', literally meaning a 'dragon's twist' or 'dragon's coil'.
- In Japanese folklore, dragons are often associated with water and weather rather than fire. A white dragon like 白竜 is frequently envisioned as a deity of rain or a protector of rivers and lakes.
- While the phrase uses the kanji 竜, which is common, you might also see the kanji 龍 used in more formal or ancient contexts. The latter is a more complex, traditional way of writing 'dragon' often seen in calligraphy and classical literature.
Examples in context
- 伝説には白竜が登場します。Densetsu ni wa hakuryū ga tōjō shimasu.A white dragon appears in the legend.
- 空に白竜が舞っている。Sora ni hakuryū ga matte iru.A white dragon is dancing in the sky.
- この白竜はとても美しい。Kono hakuryū wa totemo utsukushii.This white dragon is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a picture book about mythology.
- 結衣 Yuiこの白竜、すごくかっこいいね！Kono hakuryū, sugoku kakkoii ne!This white dragon is so cool!
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。白くてきれいな鱗だね。Hontō da. Shirokute kirei na uroko da ne.You're right. It has beautiful white scales.
- 結衣 Yui陽太君は、白竜が好き？Yōta-kun wa, hakuryū ga suki?Yota, do you like white dragons?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、大好きだよ。Un, daisuki da yo.Yeah, I love them.
