獅 (shī) - Lion — a large carnivorous feline mammal & symbol of courage, strength, and royalty in Chinese

獅Tone 1

shī ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

上姝

獅 · shī

Lion — a large carnivorous feline mammal;

symbol of courage, strength, and royalty in Chinese culture.

Lion — a large carnivorous feline mammalsymbol of courage, strength, and royalty in Chinese

Usage highlights

LionLion danceStone lionLion's roarLion kingLion cub

Synonyms

  • 狮— lion (same character, simplified form)

Antonyms

  • 兔— rabbit (symbolizing timidity vs lion's courage)
  • 鼠— mouse (symbolizing smallness vs lion's majesty)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The lion roared loudly (狮子大声吼叫).
  • We saw lions at the zoo (在动物园看到狮子).
  • Lion dance is performed during festivals (舞狮表演).
  • The stone lion guards the entrance (石狮子守门).

Collocations

  • Lion(狮子)
  • Lion dance(舞狮)
  • Stone lion(石狮)
  • Lion's roar(狮吼)
  • Lion king(狮王)
  • Lion cub(幼狮)

Idioms

  • Lion's roar and elephant's might(狮吼象力)
  • Like a lion fighting a rabbit(狮搏兔)
  • Lion's heart and leopard's gall(狮心豹胆)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Lions are not native to China but were introduced via Silk Road trade and Buddhist art.
  • Stone lions traditionally guard entrances of important buildings like temples, palaces, and government offices.
  • Lion dance is an important performance during Chinese New Year and other celebrations to ward off evil spirits.
  • In Buddhism, the lion represents the Buddha's teachings and is considered the king of beasts.

FAQ