Meanings of 猴子
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About 猴子
Podcast: 猴子
Podcast: 猴子
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AI Study Notes for 猴子
猴 (hóu) refers specifically to 'monkey' in a more general or literary sense, while 猴子 (hóuzi) is the more common term used in everyday language.
Imagine a playful monkey swinging from tree branches, making 'ho-ho' sounds. The character 猴 (hóu) has the radical for 'animal' (犭) on the left, emphasizing that it is an animal, while 子 (zi) means 'child' or 'offspring,' suggesting a young, lively creature.
Learners often confuse 猴子 with other animals due to similar endings; remember it specifically means 'monkey.' This word is informal and should be used in casual contexts, while the more formal term may involve scientific names or classifications. Common collocations include '猴子捞月' (hóuzi lāo yuè), which refers to a foolish action.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 猴子 connects with other animal-related vocabulary. Students should focus on its usage in idiomatic expressions and proverbs, enhancing their understanding of animal symbolism in Chinese.
In Chinese culture, monkeys are often seen as symbols of cleverness and are associated with the Chinese zodiac sign of the monkey, which is celebrated during the Lunar New Year. They are also featured in folklore, such as the famous character Sun Wukong from 'Journey to the West.'
Learners often mistakenly use the word 猴子 to refer to any animal or even as a term for 'child.' Remember, it specifically means 'monkey.' For example, saying '我有一个猴子' (wǒ yǒu yīgè hóuzi) to mean 'I have a child' is incorrect; use '孩子' (háizi) instead.
Pronunciation of 猴子
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 猴子
猴子 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.
Complete the Sentence
他故意的上下颠动车把,摇这个老____几下.
He deliberately jerked the shafts to rock him a bit.
Example Sentences for 猴子 (8)
Cultural Notes for 猴子
In Chinese culture, monkeys are often seen as symbols of cleverness and are associated with the Chinese zodiac sign of the monkey, which is celebrated during the Lunar New Year. They are also featured in folklore, such as the famous character Sun Wukong from 'Journey to the West.'
While monkeys are often viewed positively in Chinese culture, symbolizing intelligence and cunning, in some Western cultures they can be seen as a nuisance or mischievous pests, highlighting differing perceptions of these animals.
Frequently Asked Questions about 猴子
It is pronounced as hóuzi, with the first syllable in the second tone and the second syllable in the fifth tone.