龙舟
lóng zhōu
Dragon boat china · trad. 龍舟
龙舟 (lóngzhōu) refers to the traditional long, narrow boats, often decorated with dragon heads and tails, that are central to the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) in China. These boats are primarily used for racing, symbolizing ancient traditions and community spirit.
When to use it
Neutral. While 龙舟 specifically means "dragon boat," it's almost always discussed in the context of the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) or dragon boat races (龙舟赛). When talking about the festival, use 端午节.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "long-JOH." The first syllable 龙 (lóng) has a rising tone, similar to "long" with a slight upward inflection. The second syllable 舟 (zhōu) has a flat, high tone, like "joe."
Other ways to say it
- 龙舟赛lóng zhōu sàidragon boat race
- 端午节duān wǔ jiéDragon Boat Festival
- 划龙舟huà lóng zhōuto paddle/row a dragon boat
Examples
每年端午节，中国各地都会举行龙舟比赛。
měi nián duān wǔ jié ， zhōng guó gè dì dōu huì jǔ xíng lóng zhōu bǐ sài 。
Every Dragon Boat Festival, dragon boat races are held across China.
龙舟是中国传统文化的重要象征。
lóng zhōu shì zhōng guó chuán tǒng wén huà de zhòng yào xiàng zhēng 。
Dragon boats are an important symbol of traditional Chinese culture.
你喜欢看龙舟赛吗？
nǐ xǐ huan kàn lóng zhōu sài ma ？
Do you like watching dragon boat races?
Pro tip: The term 龙舟 is almost inseparable from 端午节 (Duānwǔ Jié), the Dragon Boat Festival, which is a major traditional holiday in China. The boats are the centerpiece of this festive occasion.
Related phrases
龙 · Dragon饺子 · Dumpling金龙 · Gold dragon
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