山羊
shānyáng
Goat
山羊 (shānyáng) is the specific term for a goat, distinguishing it from a sheep (绵羊). It refers to the animal with horns and often a beard.
What does 山羊 (shānyáng) mean?
山羊 (shānyáng) means “goat” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “mountain goat.”
When to use it
Neutral. While 羊 (yáng) is a general term that can refer to both sheep and goats, 山羊 specifically means “goat.” For “sheep,” use 绵羊 (miányáng). The zodiac animal is simply 羊, which can be interpreted as either “goat” or “sheep.”
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "shahn-yahng." 山 is high and level (first tone), and 羊 rises (second tone).
Other ways to say it
- 绵羊miányángsheep
- 羊yángsheep/goat/ram (general term, zodiac animal)
- 公山羊gōng shānyángbilly goat
Examples
山羊喜欢在山上吃草。
shānyáng xǐhuan zài shānshàng chī cǎo.
Goats like to eat grass on the mountain.
农场里养了几只山羊。
nóngchǎng lǐ yǎngle jǐ zhī shānyáng.
There are several goats raised on the farm.
十二生肖中的羊年可以指山羊或绵羊。
shí'èr shēngxiào zhōng de yángnián kěyǐ zhǐ shānyáng huò miányáng.
The Year of the Goat/Sheep in the Chinese zodiac can refer to either a goat or a sheep.
Pro tip: Remember that 山羊 specifically means “goat,” while 绵羊 means “sheep.” The broader term 羊 covers both and is used for the zodiac animal.
Related phrases
蛇 · Snake马 · Horse猴子 · Monkey
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