龙
lóng
Dragon · trad. 龍
龙 (lóng) is the iconic mythical creature in Chinese culture, symbolizing power, strength, good fortune, and imperial authority. Unlike Western dragons, Chinese dragons are typically benevolent and associated with water and weather.
When to use it
Neutral. It's a common noun and appears in many cultural contexts. For example, people born in a certain year might say they 'belong to the dragon' (属龙).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “LOHNG” with a rising tone, similar to saying “long” but with your voice going up at the end.
Other ways to say it
- 神龙shén lóngdivine dragon (often in mythology)
- 龙年lóng niánYear of the Dragon (zodiac sign)
- 龙舟lóng zhōudragon boat (for festivals)
Examples
中国龙是吉祥的象征。
zhōng guó lóng shì jí xiáng de xiàng zhēng 。
Chinese dragons are symbols of good fortune.
我出生在龙年。
wǒ chū shēng zài lóng nián 。
I was born in the Year of the Dragon.
端午节有龙舟比赛。
duān wǔ jié yǒu lóng zhōu bǐ sài 。
There are dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival.
Pro tip: In Chinese culture, dragons are benevolent and revered creatures, often associated with water and bringing rain, which is quite different from the often malevolent, fire-breathing dragons in Western folklore.
Related phrases
饺子 · Dumpling金龙 · Gold dragon中国龙 · Ancient china dragon
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