白虎
bái hǔ
The English phrase "white tiger" is translated into Chinese as 白虎 (bái hǔ).
白虎 can be used to describe a literal tiger with white fur, but it is most commonly recognized in a cultural context as a mythological or symbolic figure.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the adjective 白 (bái), meaning white and the noun 虎 (hǔ), meaning tiger.
How do you pronounce it?
bái hǔ
When do people say it?
In Chinese mythology and astronomy, 白虎 (Báihǔ) refers to the White Tiger of the West, which is one of the Four Auspicious Beasts.
Did you know?
- In modern Chinese slang, 白虎 (báihǔ) is used as a coded term to describe a woman with no pubic hair. Using the phrase in a casual conversation about people rather than animals can lead to significant embarrassment.
- In traditional Chinese medicine and astrology, the white tiger's association with the west and metal connects it to the lungs and the respiratory system.
- Because 白虎 is associated with the element of metal and the direction West, it is often invoked in feng shui to protect a specific side of a building or room.
Examples in context
- 昨天我去动物园看到一只白虎。Yesterday, I saw a white tiger at the zoo.
- 那只白虎很漂亮。Nà zhī báihǔ hěn piàoliang.That white tiger is very beautiful.
- 动物园里有一只白虎。Dòngwùyuán lǐ yǒu yì zhī báihǔ.There is a white tiger in the zoo.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a nature documentary on TV.
- 伟 Wei你看，那是一只白虎。Nǐ kàn, nà shì yì zhī báihǔ.Look, that is a white tiger.
- 梓涵 Zihan哇，它的毛发真白。Wa, tā de máofà zhēn bái.Wow, its fur is so white.
- 伟 Wei梓涵，它看起来很威严。Zǐhán, tā kàn qǐlái hěn wēiyán.Zihan, it looks very majestic.
- 梓涵 Zihan我也觉得它很酷。Wǒ yě juéde tā hěn kù.I also think it is cool.
