guī

麟凤龟龙

Word · NounTraditional龜

turtle; tortoise; symbol of longevity

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 3 examples
1.

noun

turtle; tortoise

A reptile with a hard shell. In Chinese culture, it symbolizes longevity, stability, and wisdom.

Chí池
táng塘
lǐ里
yǒu有
yī一
zhī只
dà大
wū乌
guī龟
 。

There is a big turtle in the pond.

Wū乌
guī龟
shì是
cháng长
shòu寿
de的
xiàng象
zhēng征
 。

The tortoise is a symbol of longevity.

2.

noun

the Black Tortoise (Xuanwu), one of the Four Symbols and a spiritual creature

literary

Refers specifically to the mythical 'Black Tortoise' (玄武) in the context of the Four Auspicious Beasts (麟凤龟龙), representing the north and winter.

Guī龟
yǔ与
lín麟
 、
fèng凤
 、
lóng龙
bìng并
chēng称
sì四
líng灵
 。

The tortoise, along with the qilin, phoenix, and dragon, are called the Four Spiritual Creatures.