蛇
shé
Snake
蛇 (shé) is the common word for "snake" and also refers to the zodiac animal. It is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle.
What does 蛇 (shé) mean?
蛇 (shé) means “snake” in English.
When to use it
Neutral. When referring to the zodiac animal, especially in polite conversation, some speakers might use 小龙 (xiǎo lóng), meaning "little dragon," as a more auspicious alternative.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “shuh,” with a rising tone, similar to the “sh” in “shoe” followed by the “uh” in “sofa.”
Other ways to say it
- 蛇年shéniánYear of the Snake
- 我属蛇wǒ shǔ shéMy zodiac sign is the Snake.
- 小龙xiǎo lónglittle dragon (polite term for the zodiac snake)
Examples
这种蛇没有毒。
zhè zhǒng shé méiyǒu dú.
This kind of snake is not venomous.
我出生在蛇年。
wǒ chūshēng zài shénián.
I was born in the Year of the Snake.
他属蛇，很聪明。
tā shǔ shé, hěn cōngmíng.
His zodiac sign is the Snake, and he is very intelligent.
Pro tip: When discussing the Chinese zodiac, people sometimes politely refer to the Snake as 小龙 (xiǎo lóng), or "little dragon," to avoid the negative connotations sometimes associated with snakes.
Related phrases
老虎 · Tiger兔子 · Rabbit马 · Horse
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