贔 (bì) - A legendary giant turtle in Chinese mythology & also refers to something strong, heavy, or enduring.

贔Tone 4

bì ｜ 21 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

贔 · bì

A legendary giant turtle in Chinese mythology;

also refers to something strong, heavy, or enduring.

Often used in the compound 贔屭 (bìxì), which is one of the nine sons of the dragon, known for carrying stone tablets.

A legendary giant turtle in Chinese mythologyalso refers to something strong, heavy, or enduring.

Usage highlights

Bixi, the dragonStrength of the tortoiseTurtleTurtle carrying a steleMassive strength

Synonyms

  • 龜— turtle, tortoise
  • 鼇— mythical giant sea turtle

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The stone tortoise at the temple is called a bixi (贔屭).
  • The ancient stele was supported by a mythical turtle (贔).
  • He possesses the strength of the legendary tortoise (贔力).

Collocations

  • Bixi, the dragon-turtle(贔屭)
  • Strength of the tortoise(贔力)
  • Turtle-shaped pedestal(贔座)
  • Turtle carrying a stele(贔負碑)
  • Massive strength(贔勁)
  • Turtle-like endurance(贔耐)

Idioms

  • Like a dragon and a turtle(龍蟠贔負)
  • Turtle carries the sacred mountain(贔負神山)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese mythology, 贔屭 (bìxì) is one of the nine sons of the dragon, depicted as a turtle-like creature with teeth, known for its strength and fondness for carrying heavy objects.
  • Stone tortoises (贔屭) are commonly found in Chinese temples and imperial tombs, used as pedestals for stone tablets inscribed with important texts.
  • The character 贔 is composed of three 貝 (shell) components, symbolizing great strength and endurance through repetition.

FAQ