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March 24, 2026
老虎lǎohǔ(lao3hu3)
老虎 (lǎohǔ) means 'tiger' in Mandarin. It is commonly used to refer to the animal itself, as well as in cultural contexts, such as stories or idiomatic expressions. The term carries connotations of strength and fierceness, often used symbolically in literature and folklore.
Frequency#5007DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the tiger is one of the 12 zodiac animals and symbolizes power and bravery. It is often depicted in art and folklore, representing protection from evil spirits.
Memory Tip
Think of a fierce old tiger (老 lǎo means 'old') prowling through the jungle. The character 老 (lǎo) looks like a person with a long beard, representing wisdom or age, while 虎 (hǔ) resembles a tiger's shape, reminding you of its ferocity.
Meanings of 老虎
lǎohǔ(lao3hu3)
1tiger
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About 老虎
老虎Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#5007Frequency Rank
只Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4TOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 老虎
Podcast: 老虎
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AI Study Notes for 老虎
Quick Contrast
豹 (bào, leopard) - use 老虎 when referring specifically to a tiger, which is often associated with strength and fierceness, while 豹 refers to a leopard, which has different symbolic meanings.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a fierce old tiger (老 lǎo means 'old') prowling through the jungle. The character 老 (lǎo) looks like a person with a long beard, representing wisdom or age, while 虎 (hǔ) resembles a tiger's shape, reminding you of its ferocity.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 老虎; both characters have the third tone, which can be tricky. In informal settings, you might hear it used metaphorically to describe someone tough or aggressive. Common collocations include phrases like '老虎的威风' (the might of a tiger).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 老虎 connects with other animal names and descriptors. Students should practice using it in sentences to describe characteristics or behaviors, enhancing vocabulary related to wildlife. Understanding its use in idiomatic expressions at this level will also be beneficial.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the tiger is one of the 12 zodiac animals and symbolizes power and bravery. It is often depicted in art and folklore, representing protection from evil spirits.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce '老虎' by confusing the tones. For example, saying 'lǎo hǔ' with the first tone instead of the third can change the meaning. Always remember to use the correct third tone for both characters.
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Pronunciation of 老虎
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Grammar Patterns of 老虎
老虎 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
" I fear both the Tigers of Detroit and the Indians of Cleveland.
5
逃出来的老虎被捕获后, 大家都松了一口气.
táo chū lái de lǎo hǔ bèi bǔ huò hòu, , dà jiā dū sōng le yī kǒu.
With the capture of the escaped tiger, everyone felt relieved.
6
老虎把尾巴一甩朝她扑过来.
lǎo hǔ bǎ wěi bā yī shuǎi zhāo tā pū guò lái.
With a lash of its tail the tiger leaped at her.
7
不论何时有人一走近笼子,老虎就不安地甩尾巴.
bù lùn hé shí yǒu rén yī zǒu jìn lóng zǐ, , lǎo hǔ jiù bù ān dì shuǎi wěi.
The tiger lashed its tail around whenever anyone came near its cage.
8
不论何时有人一走近笼子，老虎就不安地甩尾巴。
bù lùn hé shí yǒu rén yī zǒu jìn lóng zǐ， ， lǎo hǔ jiù bù ān dì shuǎi wěi。
The tiger lashed its tail about whenever anyone came near its cage.
9
老虎向山羊扑去.
lǎo hǔ xiàng shān yáng pū qù.
The tiger sprang on the goat.
10
老虎身上有条纹,而豹有花斑.
lǎo hǔ shēn shàng yǒu tiáo wén, , ér bào yǒu huā.
A tiger has stripes and a leopard has spots.
Cultural Notes for 老虎
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the tiger is one of the 12 zodiac animals and symbolizes power and bravery. It is often depicted in art and folklore, representing protection from evil spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 老虎
You say '老虎' (lǎohǔ).
'老' (lǎo) means 'old' and is often used to show respect or age.
'老虎' can indeed be used in idiomatic expressions, often symbolizing strength or danger.
