猴 (hóu) - Monkey — refers to the primate animal & also used metaphorically for cleverness, mischief, or restlessness.

猴Tone 2

hóu ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

猴 · hóu

Monkey — refers to the primate animal;

also used metaphorically for cleverness, mischief, or restlessness.

Monkey — refers to the primate animalalso used metaphorically for cleverness, mischief, or restlessness.

Usage highlights

MonkeyMonkey KingLittle monkeyWild monkeyMonkey yearMonkey business

Synonyms

  • 猿— ape (larger primate)
  • 猕猴— macaque (specific monkey species)

Antonyms

  • 虎— tiger (opposite in zodiac hierarchy)
  • 笨— stupid (opposite of clever monkey)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The monkey climbed the tree (猴子爬树).
  • He is as clever as a monkey (他像猴子一样聪明).
  • The zoo has a monkey exhibit (猴子展区).
  • She performed a monkey dance (猴舞).

Collocations

  • Monkey(猴子)
  • Monkey King(孙悟空/美猴王)
  • Little monkey(小猴子)
  • Wild monkey(野猴)
  • Monkey year(猴年)
  • Monkey business(耍猴戏)

Idioms

  • The monkey gets the moon(猴子捞月)
  • The mountain god has no tiger, so the monkey becomes king(山中无老虎，猴子称大王)
  • Monkey wearing a hat(沐猴而冠)
  • Sharp-mouthed and monkey-cheeked(尖嘴猴腮)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese zodiac, Monkey is the 9th animal, associated with intelligence, curiosity, and mischief.
  • The Monkey King (孙悟空) is a central figure in 'Journey to the West', symbolizing rebellion and cleverness.
  • Monkeys are often seen as clever but sometimes mischievous or restless in Chinese folklore.

FAQ