龍 (lóng) - Dragon — a mythical creature in Chinese culture & also used to refer to the emperor.

龍Tone 2

lóng ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

龍 · lóng

Dragon — a mythical creature in Chinese culture symbolizing power, strength, and good fortune;

also used to refer to the emperor.

Dragon — a mythical creature in Chinese culturealso used to refer to the emperor.

Usage highlights

Chinese dragonDragon danceDragon boatImperial dragonDragon yearDescendant of the dragon

Synonyms

  • 龙— dragon (same character)

Antonyms

  • 虫— insect, worm (contrasting with the mighty dragon)
  • 凤— phoenix (complementary rather than opposite, but represents feminine vs. masculine)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The dragon is a symbol of imperial power (龙是皇权的象征).
  • Chinese dragon dance is performed during festivals (舞龙).
  • He was born in the Year of the Dragon (龙年).
  • The dragon boat festival is a traditional holiday (端午节有龙舟赛).

Collocations

  • Chinese dragon(龙)
  • Dragon dance(舞龙)
  • Dragon boat(龙舟)
  • Imperial dragon(龙袍)
  • Dragon year(龙年)
  • Descendant of the dragon(龙的传人)

Idioms

  • Like a dragon and a tiger(生龙活虎)
  • Dragon flying, phoenix dancing(龙飞凤舞)
  • Dragon and horse spirit(龙马精神)
  • Carving a dragon(画龙点睛)
  • Fish leaping over the dragon gate(鲤鱼跳龙门)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The dragon is one of the most important symbols in Chinese culture, representing imperial power and authority.
  • In Chinese mythology, dragons control water, rainfall, hurricanes, and floods.
  • The dragon is one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, with those born in dragon years considered lucky and powerful.
  • The Chinese dragon is typically depicted as a long, serpentine creature without wings, unlike Western dragons.

FAQ