虎 (hǔ) - tiger & brave

虎Tone 3

hǔ ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 虍

枫惠

虎 · hǔ

tiger;

brave;

fierce;

vigorous;

a metaphor for courage and power

tigerbravefierce

Usage highlights

TigerTiger cubBrave generalPaper tigerTiger's denTiger stripes

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 羊— sheep (symbolizing meekness)
  • 兔— rabbit (symbolizing timidity)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The tiger is a powerful predator (老虎).
  • He is as brave as a tiger (虎将).
  • Tiger cub (虎崽).
  • Paper tiger (纸老虎).

Collocations

  • Tiger(老虎)
  • Tiger cub(虎崽)
  • Brave general(虎将)
  • Paper tiger(纸老虎)
  • Tiger's den(虎穴)
  • Tiger stripes(虎纹)

Idioms

  • Like a tiger adding wings(如虎添翼)
  • A sheep in a tiger's skin(羊质虎皮)
  • Riding a tiger is hard to get off(骑虎难下)
  • Tiger head and snake tail(虎头蛇尾)
  • Dragon pond and tiger's den(龙潭虎穴)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the tiger is one of the 12 zodiac animals and symbolizes power, bravery, and dignity.
  • The tiger is often associated with military prowess and is used to describe brave warriors.
  • In folklore, the tiger is considered a protector against evil spirits.

FAQ