麒麟

qílín

noun #24,383

Measure Word

一只麒麟 zhī

Meanings

1 qilin (Chinese mythical beast)
2 Chinese unicorn
3 (old) giraffe

Characters

male qilin (mythical beast)

female qilin (mythical beast)

Examples

麒麟在中国文化中象征吉祥和仁慈。

Qílín zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng xiàngzhēng jíxiáng hé réncí.

The qilin symbolizes good luck and benevolence in Chinese culture.

古人以麒麟出现预示圣人降世。

Gǔrén yǐ qílín chūxiàn yùshì shèngrén jiàng shì.

The ancients believed a qilin's appearance foretold the birth of a sage.

Tips

culture

The 麒麟 is one of the four great mythical creatures of Chinese tradition (alongside the dragon, phoenix, and tortoise). It was said to appear only during the reign of a virtuous ruler, making sightings omens of peace and prosperity. Early Chinese explorers called the giraffe 麒麟 because of its exotic appearance.

Stroke Order

麒 qí

麟 lín