鰲 (áo) - Ao — a legendary giant sea turtle or & also refers to the top scholar in imperial

鰲Tone 2

áo ｜ 21 strokes ｜ radical:

安傲

鰲 · áo

Ao — a legendary giant sea turtle or turtle-like creature in Chinese mythology, said to support the celestial world;

also refers to the top scholar in imperial examinations.

Ao — a legendary giant sea turtle oralso refers to the top scholar in imperial

Usage highlights

Stand alone on the Ao's headAo turtleAo headGiant AoSea AoAo carries the mountains

Synonyms

  • 鳌头— Ao head - refers to the top position
  • 巨鳌— giant Ao - large mythical turtle

Antonyms

  • 末位— last position (antonym to 鳌头)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The legendary turtle supporting the heavens(鳌)
  • He achieved first place in the imperial exams(独占鳌头)
  • The mythical Ao turtle carries the celestial realm(鳌背负天)
  • The Ao Head refers to the top scholar position(鳌头)

Collocations

  • Stand alone on the Ao's head(独占鳌头)
  • Ao turtle(鳌龟)
  • Ao head(鳌头)
  • Giant Ao(巨鳌)
  • Sea Ao(海鳌)
  • Ao carries the mountains(鳌戴)

Idioms

  • Stand alone on the Ao's head(独占鳌头)
  • The Ao carries the mountains(鳌戴山抃)
  • Cut off the Ao's feet to stabilize heaven(断鳌立极)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese mythology, Ao is one of the nine sons of the dragon, depicted as a giant sea turtle that supports the celestial world.
  • During the Song Dynasty, the term 'Ao head' was used to refer to the top scholar in imperial examinations, with the top candidate standing at the head of the stone turtle sculpture.
  • The character appears in many classical texts including 'Huainanzi' and 'Liezi', describing Ao as a mythical creature supporting the heavens.

FAQ