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

鼇Tone 2

áo ｜ 23 strokes ｜ radical:

安傲

鼇 · áo

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

Ao — a mythical giant sea turtle or

Usage highlights

独占鳌头鳌戴鳌负鳌鱼鳌海金鳌

Synonyms

  • 鳌— simplified form of 鼇
  • 大龟— large turtle

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The legendary Ao supports the heavens (鼇戴).
  • The Ao carries the sacred mountains (鼇負仙山).
  • In imperial examinations, the top scorer was called the 'head of Ao' (獨占鼇頭).
  • The Ao swims in the vast sea (鼇游滄海).

Collocations

  • 独占鳌头(獨占鼇頭)
  • 鳌戴(鼇戴)
  • 鳌负(鼇負)
  • 鳌鱼(鼇魚)
  • 鳌海(鼇海)
  • 金鳌(金鼇)

Idioms

  • To come out first(独占鳌头)
  • The Ao bears the weight(鳌戴)
  • Ao swims in the sea, turtle climbs on land(鳌游沧海，龟登陆地)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese mythology, Ao is a giant sea turtle that supports the celestial realm or carries the five sacred mountains.
  • The phrase '独占鳌头' originated from the Tang Dynasty palace examination, where the top scorer would stand on a stone carving of an Ao.
  • Ao symbolizes strength, stability, and supreme achievement in Chinese culture.
  • Often depicted in Chinese art and architecture as a powerful mythological creature.

FAQ