猪 — meaning in English: pig

zhū · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for pig

猪

zhū

女人

nǚrén

爸爸

bàba

林

lín

棒

bàng

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 猪 (zhū) in casual conversations about food, particularly when discussing dishes like roast pork or hot pot. It's also common in rural settings when talking about farming or livestock, as pigs are an integral part of agricultural life in many Chinese communities.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for pig in Mandarin is 猪仔 (zhū zǎi), which specifically refers to a piglet. While 猪 (zhū) can refer to pigs of all ages, using 猪仔 (zhū zǎi) conveys a sense of youth and smallness, making it more specific in certain contexts.

Culture

The character 猪 (zhū) has a long history in Chinese culture, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, especially in the context of the Chinese zodiac. Each year is associated with a different animal, and those born in the Year of the Pig are considered to be generous and diligent, adding a layer of cultural significance to this seemingly simple word.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of 猪 in Mandarin?

The word 猪 is pronounced as 'zhū' with a first tone, which is high and level. It's important to get the tone right as it can change the meaning in Mandarin.

Q.Are there any idiomatic expressions that use the word 猪?

Yes, there are, such as 猪朋狗友 (zhū péng gǒu yǒu), which translates to 'pigs and dog friends,' referring to bad influences or unreliable friends. This phrase highlights how the word can signify more than just the animal in certain contexts.

Q.What are common mistakes when using the word 猪?

A common mistake is mispronouncing the tone, as Mandarin is a tonal language. Additionally, learners might confuse it with other animals like 猫 (māo), which means cat, due to similar sentence structures. Paying attention to context and tone will help avoid these errors.

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