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March 24, 2026
恐龙(恐龍)kǒnglóng(kong3long2)
恐龙 (kǒnglóng) refers to dinosaurs, the prehistoric reptiles that once roamed the Earth. In contemporary slang, it can also describe an ugly person, highlighting its use in both scientific and colloquial contexts.
Frequency#6186DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Dinosaurs have a significant place in Chinese culture, especially in science education, where they are often used to capture children's interest in paleontology and evolution. Exhibits in museums featuring dinosaurs are particularly popular.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'terrifying dragon' (恐 - kǒng means 'fear'), which resembles the ferocity of dinosaurs. Visualize this dragon as a huge, lumbering creature, evoking both awe and fear, much like how dinosaurs are perceived.
Meanings of 恐龙
kǒnglóng(kong3long2)
1dinosaur
2(slang) ugly person
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About 恐龙
恐龙Simplified
恐龍Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
头Measure Word
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 恐龙
Podcast: 恐龙
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AI Study Notes for 恐龙
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'terrifying dragon' (恐 - kǒng means 'fear'), which resembles the ferocity of dinosaurs. Visualize this dragon as a huge, lumbering creature, evoking both awe and fear, much like how dinosaurs are perceived.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 恐龙; while it primarily refers to dinosaurs, using it as slang can be informal and may carry a negative connotation. Avoid using it in formal settings or when speaking to someone you don't know well.
HSK Study Tips
Although 恐龙 is not explicitly listed in HSK vocabulary, it can be useful for learners interested in natural history and paleontology. Focus on recognizing the characters and practicing pronunciation, as well as understanding the slang usage.
Cultural Note
Dinosaurs have a significant place in Chinese culture, especially in science education, where they are often used to capture children's interest in paleontology and evolution. Exhibits in museums featuring dinosaurs are particularly popular.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 恐龙 with other animal-related words, such as 动物 (dòngwù, meaning 'animal'). A common error is using 恐龙 to describe anything scary, rather than specifically relating to dinosaurs or the slang meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 恐龙
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Cultural Notes for 恐龙
🏮Cultural insight
Dinosaurs have a significant place in Chinese culture, especially in science education, where they are often used to capture children's interest in paleontology and evolution. Exhibits in museums featuring dinosaurs are particularly popular.
Frequently Asked Questions about 恐龙
It literally translates to 'fear dragon', with 恐 meaning 'fear' and 龙 meaning 'dragon'.
No, it's primarily used informally; use it carefully to avoid sounding disrespectful.
While its common slang meaning is 'ugly person', it's primarily known for referring to dinosaurs.
