龜 (guī) - Turtle — a reptile with a hard shell & tortoise

龜Tone 1

guī ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

龜 · guī

Turtle — a reptile with a hard shell;

tortoise;

also used metaphorically for longevity, endurance, or in historical contexts for divination.

Turtle — a reptile with a hard shelltortoisealso used metaphorically for longevity, endurance, or in

Usage highlights

Sea turtleTurtle shellTortoiseTurtle doveTurtleTurtle boat

Synonyms

  • 乌龟— tortoise; turtle
  • 鳖— soft-shelled turtle

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The turtle crawled slowly on the beach (海龟).
  • In ancient China, turtle shells were used for divination (龟甲).
  • He has a pet turtle (宠物龟).
  • The turtle is a symbol of longevity (长寿龟).

Collocations

  • Sea turtle(海龟)
  • Turtle shell(龟壳)
  • Tortoise(乌龟)
  • Turtle dove(斑鸠)
  • Turtle-shaped(龟形)
  • Turtle boat(龟船)

Idioms

  • The turtle and the crane symbolize longevity(龟鹤遐龄)
  • Turtle hair and rabbit horns — something nonexistent(龟毛兔角)
  • Turtle year, crane longevity — wishing someone long life(龟年鹤寿)
  • Like a turtle shrinking into its shell — timid(缩头乌龟)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the turtle is one of the four celestial animals and symbolizes longevity, endurance, and wisdom.
  • Turtle shells were used in ancient Chinese divination practices during the Shang dynasty.
  • The turtle appears in mythology as a supporter of the world or as a symbol of the north.

FAQ