鳌 (áo) - Ao — a mythical giant sea turtle or

鳌Tone 2

áo ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

安傲

鳌 · áo

Ao — a mythical giant sea turtle or turtle-like creature in Chinese mythology, said to support the celestial world or carry sacred mountains on its back.

Ao — a mythical giant sea turtle or

Usage highlights

Stand alone on Ao's headAo headAo turtleGiant AoAo carries mountainsAo's foot

Synonyms

  • 鳌龟— Ao turtle (mythological turtle)
  • 神鳌— divine Ao (celestial turtle)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The legendary Ao supports the heavens (鳌足).
  • In imperial examinations, the top scholar stood on an Ao head carving (独占鳌头).
  • Ao is mentioned in the Classic of Mountains and Seas (《山海经》中的鳌).
  • The Ao turtle carries the Penglai mountain (鳌负蓬莱).

Collocations

  • Stand alone on Ao's head(独占鳌头)
  • Ao head(鳌头)
  • Ao turtle(鳌龟)
  • Giant Ao(巨鳌)
  • Ao carries mountains(鳌负)
  • Ao's foot(鳌足)

Idioms

  • Stand alone on the Ao's head (独占鳌头) — to come out first; to be the champion
  • Ao carries the Penglai mountain (鳌负蓬莱) — bearing great responsibility
  • The Ao supports the heavens (鳌足撑天) — describing immense strength

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese mythology, Ao is one of the nine sons of the dragon, known for its strength and ability to carry heavy loads.
  • The phrase '独占鳌头' originated from the Tang Dynasty imperial examination ceremony where the top scholar would stand on a stone carving of an Ao's head.
  • Ao is often depicted in Chinese art and architecture as a powerful, turtle-like creature with dragon-like features.

FAQ