罴 (pí) - Brown bear & specifically refers to the large brown bear species

罴Tone 2

pí ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

罴 · pí

Brown bear;

specifically refers to the large brown bear species found in northern regions.

Brown bearspecifically refers to the large brown bear species

Usage highlights

Brown bearFierce as a bearBear's strengthBear hunterBear caveBear skin

Synonyms

  • 熊— bear (general term)
  • 棕熊— brown bear

Antonyms

  • 兔— rabbit (symbolizing gentleness vs. bear's ferocity)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The brown bear (棕熊) is a large mammal found in northern forests.
  • In ancient texts, the 罴 was described as a formidable creature (猛兽).
  • The Siberian brown bear (西伯利亚棕熊) is sometimes referred to as 罴.

Collocations

  • Brown bear(棕罴)
  • Fierce as a bear(如罴之猛)
  • Bear's strength(罴力)
  • Bear hunter(猎罴者)
  • Bear cave(罴穴)
  • Bear skin(罴皮)

Idioms

  • Dream of a bear(梦熊之兆 - auspicious sign of bearing sons)
  • Bear and tiger(熊罴之士 - brave warriors)
  • Bear's roar(罴吼 - mighty roar)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese mythology and literature, the 罴 represents strength, courage, and ferocity.
  • The character appears in classical texts like the Book of Songs as a symbol of masculine power.
  • In traditional dream interpretation, dreaming of a bear was considered an auspicious sign for bearing sons.

FAQ