蟒 (mǎng) - Python & boa

蟒Tone 3

mǎng ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

蟒 · mǎng

Python;

boa;

a large, non-venomous constricting snake.

Pythonboaa large, non-venomous constricting snake.

Usage highlights

Python snakeImperial dragon robeGiant pythonBoa constrictorPython skinPython pattern

Synonyms

  • 蚺— anaconda; large snake
  • 蛇— snake (general term)

Antonyms

  • 虫— insect (antonym in scale/power)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We saw a giant python (大蟒蛇) at the zoo.
  • The boa constrictor is a type of large snake (蟒).
  • He was wearing a robe with python patterns (蟒袍).
  • The python is a powerful constrictor (巨蟒).

Collocations

  • Python snake(蟒蛇)
  • Imperial dragon robe(蟒袍)
  • Giant python(巨蟒)
  • Boa constrictor(蟒)
  • Python skin(蟒皮)
  • Python pattern(蟒纹)

Idioms

  • A snake attempting to swallow an elephant(蟒蛇吞象)
  • A python coiling around a pillar(蟒绕柱)
  • A dragon or a python(龙蟒)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the python is often associated with imperial power, and the 'mangpao' (蟒袍) was a robe worn by high-ranking officials, decorated with a python-like dragon.
  • The python symbolizes immense power, ambition, and sometimes danger due to its size and strength.
  • It appears in mythology and folklore as a formidable creature, often requiring a hero to subdue it.

FAQ