jan4 sau3仁獸仁兽
Jyutpingjan4 sau3
Yaleyàhn sau
Definition
A benevolent beast; another name for the qilin (a mythical Chinese creature).
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How it's used
Literary and archaic, this term is almost exclusively found in classical texts or formal cultural discussions rather than daily speech. It highlights the mythical creature's role as a symbol of virtue and benevolence, distinguishing it from more common mythological beasts. You will rarely hear it in casual conversation unless discussing folklore or traditional Chinese philosophy.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Legend says the appearance of the benevolent beast signifies peace under heaven.
Do you know that the benevolent beast actually refers to the Qilin?
Related words
Common phrases
the arrival of the benevolent beast
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
