san4 sau3神獸神兽
Jyutpingsan4 sau3
Yalesàhn sau
Definition
Mythical beast; a mystical creature in traditional Chinese culture often used as a symbol or protection talisman.
colloquialother
How it's used
Modern internet slang often uses this term to refer to children, specifically those who are hyperactive or difficult to manage at home. While it originally refers to ancient creatures like the 麒麟 or 貔貅, hearing a parent complain about their 神獸 usually means they are exhausted by their kids' endless energy. It carries a playful yet weary tone when used in this domestic context.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
This mythical beast seems to have a lot of spiritual energy.
Related words
Common phrases
ancient mythical beast
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the term 獸醫, which refers to a veterinarian. Using 神獸 to describe a real animal or a pet will sound very strange unless you are making a joke about its behavior.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
