白虎
byakko
In Japanese, 'white tiger' is expressed as 白虎 (byakko).
The term refers to a mythical creature from East Asian mythology that guards the west.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 白 (white) and 虎 (tiger).
How do you pronounce it?
byakko
When do people say it?
In Japanese mythology and the concept of the Four Symbols, the Byakko represents the West and the season of Autumn.
Did you know?
- While 白虎 is the mythical guardian, a real white tiger is typically called ホワイトタイガー using katakana loanwords from English.
- While 白虎 represents the West, this is based on ancient Chinese astronomical systems where the constellation of the White Tiger occupies the western quadrant of the sky.
- The kanji 虎 used in 白虎 is a pictograph that originally resembled a tiger's mouth and claws.
Examples in context
- 昨日、動物園でシロトラを見たよ！Yesterday, I saw a white tiger at the zoo!
- 白虎は西を守る神獣です。Byakko wa nishi o mamoru shinjuu desu.The white tiger is a divine beast that guards the west.
- 伝説によれば、白虎はとても強力です。Densetsu ni yoreba, Byakko wa totemo kyouryoku desu.According to legend, the white tiger is very powerful.
- 絵画の中に白虎が描かれています。Kaiga no naka ni Byakko ga kakarete imasu.A white tiger is depicted in the painting.
Example conversation
Two students are looking at a book about mythology in a library.
- 陽葵 Himariこの白虎はかっこいいですね。Kono Byakko wa kakkoii desu ne.This white tiger is cool, isn't it?
- 蓮 Renはい、とても神々しいです。Hai, totemo kougoushii desu.Yes, it is very divine.
- 陽葵 Himari西の守護神だそうです。Nishi no shugoshin da sou desu.I heard it is the guardian deity of the west.
- 蓮 Ren面白い伝説ですね。Omoshiroi densetsu desu ne.That is an interesting legend.
