lín

麟凤龟龙

Word · NounTraditional麟

qilin (mythical beast); auspicious; paragon

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 3 examples
1.

noun

qilin; (Chinese) unicorn; a mythical auspicious beast

literary

A composite creature symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and sage leadership. Often appears in classical literature and art.

Qí麒
lín麟
shì是
gǔ古
dài代
chuán传
shuō说
zhōng中
de的
shén神
shòu兽
 。

The qilin is a mythical beast from ancient legends.

Tiān天
shàng上
qí麒
lín麟
ér儿
 ，
rén人
jiān间
zhuàng状
yuan元
láng郎
 。

A child like a heavenly qilin becomes a top scholar in the human world.

2.

noun

a paragon of virtue; an outstanding person

literary

Used metaphorically, especially in the set phrase '麟凤龟龙'.

Tā他
dé德
cái才
jiān兼
bèi备
 ，
kān堪
chēng称
rén人
zhōng中
lín麟
fèng凤
 。

He possesses both virtue and talent, truly a paragon among men.