猪 (zhū) - Pig — a domesticated mammal raised for meat & also used metaphorically to describe someone as greedy,

猪Tone 1

zhū ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

志

猪 · zhū

Pig — a domesticated mammal raised for meat;

also used metaphorically to describe someone as greedy, dirty, or foolish.

Pig — a domesticated mammal raised for meatalso used metaphorically to describe someone as greedy,

Usage highlights

PigPorkPigstyPigletWild boarPig head

Synonyms

  • 豕— archaic term for pig
  • 豚— young pig; pork

Antonyms

  • 龙— dragon (noble vs. humble)
  • 凤— phoenix (beautiful vs. unattractive)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We raise pigs on our farm (养猪).
  • Pork is a common meat in Chinese cuisine (猪肉).
  • He eats like a pig (吃相像猪).
  • The pigsty needs cleaning (猪圈需要清理).

Collocations

  • Pig(猪)
  • Pork(猪肉)
  • Pigsty(猪圈)
  • Piglet(小猪)
  • Wild boar(野猪)
  • Pig head(猪头)

Idioms

  • A pig peers into a mirror — inside and out, it's not human(猪八戒照镜子——里外不是人)
  • A dead pig isn't afraid of boiling water(死猪不怕开水烫)
  • A dragon's head but a snake's tail (虎头蛇尾) — though not directly about pigs, sometimes contrasted with pig imagery
  • A tiger's head but a snake's tail (虎头蛇尾) — similar meaning, sometimes used with pig for humorous effect

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese zodiac, the Pig is the 12th animal, associated with honesty, diligence, and generosity.
  • Pigs symbolize wealth and abundance in traditional culture, as having pigs indicated a prosperous household.
  • In modern usage, calling someone 'pig' can be derogatory, implying greed, laziness, or uncleanliness.
  • The Year of the Pig is considered fortunate for births, with pig-year babies believed to enjoy comfortable lives.

FAQ