猪
zhū
Pig · trad. 豬
猪 (zhū) is the common word for “pig” or “hog” in Mandarin Chinese. It is also the twelfth and last animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, representing the Year of the Pig.
What does 猪 (zhū) mean?
猪 (zhū) means “pig” in English.
When to use it
Neutral when referring to the animal. When used for the zodiac, it's common in conversations about birth years and New Year greetings. Calling a person 猪 can be a lighthearted insult, implying someone is lazy or gluttonous, but greetings for the Year of the Pig are always cheerful and positive.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “joo” with a high, flat tone, similar to the “j” in “jump” followed by “oo” as in “moon.”
Other ways to say it
- 猪年zhūniánYear of the Pig
- 我属猪wǒ shǔ zhūMy zodiac sign is the Pig
- 小猪xiǎo zhūpiglet (often used endearingly)
Examples
这只猪很可爱。
zhè zhī zhū hěn kě'ài.
This pig is very cute.
我出生在猪年。
wǒ chūshēng zài zhūnián.
I was born in the Year of the Pig.
猪肉很好吃。
zhūròu hěn hǎochī.
Pork is delicious.
Pro tip: While 猪 can be a playful insult for a person, it's generally used in a positive context when referring to the zodiac animal or in New Year celebrations.
Related phrases
山羊 · Goat猴子 · Monkey公鸡 · Rooster
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