麟 (lín) - Female unicorn (qilin) — a mythical hooved chimerical & symbol of auspiciousness, prosperity, and serenity.

麟Tone 2

lín ｜ 23 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

麟 · lín

Female unicorn (qilin) — a mythical hooved chimerical creature in Chinese mythology, said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler;

symbol of auspiciousness, prosperity, and serenity.

Female unicorn (qilin) — a mythical hooved chimericalsymbol of auspiciousness, prosperity, and serenity.

Usage highlights

QilinUnicorn's hornRare as unicorn's hornUnicorn's bookUnicorn's arrivalUnicorn's footprint

Synonyms

  • 麒麟— qilin (the full mythical creature)
  • 瑞兽— auspicious beast
  • 仁兽— benevolent beast

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The qilin is an auspicious mythical beast (麒麟).
  • The birth of a great sage is said to be heralded by the appearance of a lin (麟).
  • Ancient texts describe the lin's arrival as marking a golden age (麟至).
  • The unicorn's footprint (麟迹) symbolizes divine favor.

Collocations

  • Qilin(麒麟)
  • Unicorn's horn(麟角)
  • Rare as unicorn's horn(凤毛麟角)
  • Unicorn's book(麟书)
  • Unicorn's arrival(麟至)
  • Unicorn's footprint(麟迹)

Idioms

  • Phoenix feathers and unicorn horns — extremely rare(凤毛麟角)
  • The unicorn appears — auspicious omen(麟趾呈祥)
  • The unicorn and turtle carrying scrolls — symbols of longevity and wisdom(麟吐玉书)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • One of the four noble animals in Chinese mythology (along with dragon, phoenix, and turtle).
  • Traditionally symbolizes wisdom, nobility, and the arrival of great sages or rulers.
  • Often depicted in art and literature as a composite creature with features of various animals.
  • Considered a gentle, benevolent creature that walks so lightly it doesn't crush grass beneath its feet.

FAQ