貂 (diāo) - Marten — a small carnivorous mammal valued for & historically used for high-quality fur garments.

貂Tone 1

diāo ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

貂 · diāo

Marten — a small carnivorous mammal valued for its soft, luxurious fur;

historically used for high-quality fur garments.

Marten — a small carnivorous mammal valued forhistorically used for high-quality fur garments.

Usage highlights

marten furmarten fur coatsable hatmarten tailgolden sabledog

Synonyms

  • 貂鼠— marten (alternative name)
  • 紫貂— sable (specific type of marten)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The marten's fur is highly prized (貂皮).
  • He wore a marten fur coat (貂裘).
  • This painting depicts a sable (貂).
  • Marten fur was a status symbol in ancient China (貂).

Collocations

  • marten fur(貂皮)
  • marten fur coat(貂裘)
  • sable hat(貂冠)
  • marten tail(貂尾)
  • golden sable(金貂)
  • dog-tailed marten(狗尾续貂)

Idioms

  • A dog's tail continuing a marten's(狗尾续貂)
  • Marten fur and golden seal(貂金)
  • Marten sable and jade pendants(貂玉)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Marten fur was highly valued in ancient China and symbolized wealth and high status.
  • In imperial courts, marten fur garments were worn by high-ranking officials as marks of distinction.
  • The idiom '狗尾续貂' criticizes unworthy successors to important positions.

FAQ