牛 — meaning in English: Cattle

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

Guess the translation for cow

极限

jíxiàn

牛

niú

威士忌

wēishìjì

警方

jǐngfāng

强奸

qiángjiān

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 牛 (niú) when discussing agriculture, animal husbandry, or food, especially in rural settings. For example, you might hear it in conversations about livestock during market days or when ordering beef dishes in restaurants.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for cattle is 畜 (xù), which has a broader meaning encompassing all livestock. However, 牛 (niú) specifically refers to cows and oxen, making it the go-to term for discussions about these particular animals.

Culture

Interestingly, the character 牛 (niú) is not only used to denote cattle but also plays a significant role in the Chinese zodiac, where it represents the Year of the Ox. This animal symbolizes diligence and hard work in Chinese culture, which is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions and reflects the value placed on farming and livestock.

FAQ

Q.What does 牛 mean in English?

牛 (niú) translates to 'cattle' or 'cow' in English. It's commonly used in both everyday conversation and specific contexts like farming or cuisine.

Q.How do you use 牛 in a sentence?

You can use 牛 (niú) in sentences like '我家有一头牛' (Wǒ jiā yǒu yī tóu niú), which means 'My family has a cow.' This shows possession and is a straightforward way to incorporate the word.

Q.Is there a specific measure word for 牛?

Yes, the measure word for 牛 (niú) is 头 (tóu), so when counting cows, you would say '一头牛' (yī tóu niú) for 'one cow.' This is an essential aspect of using the word correctly in Mandarin.

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