白龙
bái lóng
White dragon · trad. 白龍
白龙 (bái lóng) literally means "white dragon." In Chinese culture, dragons are powerful and auspicious symbols, often representing imperial power, good fortune, and strength. A white dragon specifically appears in various myths, legends, and literature, sometimes associated with purity, wisdom, or specific celestial directions.
When to use it
Neutral. This is a descriptive term used in various contexts from mythology to literature. There aren't specific formal or informal alternatives for the term itself, but the context in which it's used might vary.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "bye-LONG." The first syllable, 白 (bái), is a rising tone, similar to saying "bye" with a slight upward inflection. The second syllable, 龙 (lóng), is also a rising tone, like "long" with a rising pitch.
Other ways to say it
- 龙lóngdragon (general term)
- 青龙qīng lóngAzure Dragon (one of the Four Symbols in Chinese constellations)
- 神龙shén lóngdivine dragon / magical dragon
Examples
白龙是中国神话中的一种神兽。
bái lóng shì zhōng guó shén huà zhōng de yì zhǒng shén shòu 。
The white dragon is a mythical beast in Chinese mythology.
传说白龙可以呼风唤雨。
chuán shuō bái lóng kě yǐ hū fēng huàn yǔ 。
Legend says the white dragon can summon wind and rain.
他属龙，最喜欢白龙的形象。
tā shǔ lóng ， zuì xǐ huan bái lóng de xíng xiàng 。
He was born in the year of the dragon and likes the image of the white dragon most.
Pro tip: While white (白) can sometimes be associated with mourning in Chinese culture, when paired with 'dragon' (龙), it typically emphasizes the dragon's majestic, pure, or divine qualities, rather than any negative connotations. It's usually a powerful and positive image.
Related phrases
龙 · Dragon饺子 · Dumpling金龙 · Gold dragon
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