龙龟
lóng guī
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.
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lóng tóu guīdragon-headed turtle (descriptive variation)
- 霸下bà xiàBaxia (one of the nine sons of the dragon, often depicted as a dragon-headed turtle carrying a stele)
- 赑屃bì xìBixi (another name for Baxia)
Examples
龙龟是吉祥的象征。
lóng guī shì jí xiáng de xiàng zhēng 。
The dragon turtle is a symbol of good fortune.
我家摆放着一个龙龟雕塑。
wǒ jiā bǎi fàng zhe yí gè lóng guī diāo sù 。
My home has a dragon turtle sculpture.
风水大师建议我在办公室放一个龙龟。
fēng shuǐ dà shī jiàn yì wǒ zài bàn gōng shì fàng yí gè lóng guī 。
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饺子 · Dumpling金龙 · Gold dragon
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