龙龟
lóngguī
Dragon turtle · trad. 龍龜
龙龟 (lóngguī) is a mythical creature in Chinese culture, a hybrid of a dragon and a turtle. It is a powerful symbol of longevity, prosperity, courage, and protection, often used in feng shui.
What does 龙龟 (lóngguī) mean?
龙龟 (lóngguī) means “dragon turtle” in English.
When to use it
This is a specific cultural term referring to a mythical creature or its artistic representation. It's commonly used in discussions about Chinese mythology, art, and feng shui practices. There aren't direct conversational alternatives, but its symbolism can be described in various ways.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “LONG-gway.” The first syllable, 龙 (lóng), is a rising tone, and the second syllable, 龟 (guī), is a level tone.
Other ways to say it
- 龙头龟lóngtóuguīdragon-headed turtle (descriptive variation)
- 霸下bàxiàBaxia (one of the nine sons of the dragon, often depicted as a dragon-headed turtle carrying a stele)
- 赑屃bìxìBixi (another name for Baxia)
Examples
龙龟是吉祥的象征。
lóngguī shì jíxiáng de xiàngzhēng.
The dragon turtle is a symbol of good fortune.
我家摆放着一个龙龟雕塑。
wǒ jiā bǎifàng zhe yí ge lóngguī diāosù.
My home has a dragon turtle sculpture.
风水大师建议我在办公室放一个龙龟。
fēngshuǐ dàshī jiànyì wǒ zài bàngōngshì fàng yí ge lóngguī.
The feng shui master suggested I put a dragon turtle in my office.
Pro tip: The dragon turtle combines the power and success of the dragon with the longevity and stability of the turtle, making it a highly auspicious symbol in Chinese culture.
Related phrases
龙 · Dragon龙王 · Dragon king真龙 · Imperial dragon
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