Meanings of 兽
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About 兽
Podcast: 兽
Podcast: 兽
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AI Study Notes for 兽
兽 (shòu) vs 动物 (dòngwù) — use 兽 for wild or ferocious animals, while 动物 is a general term for any animal.
When using 兽, it's important to note that it typically refers to wild or feral animals rather than domestic ones. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts as it can sound dramatic; prefer 动物 (dòngwù) for general animal references. Be cautious with tones, as mispronouncing shòu could lead to confusion with other words.
Although 兽 is not in the official HSK levels, it connects with other vocabulary related to animals (like 动物). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in compound words and phrases related to wildlife and bestial traits.
Learners sometimes confuse 兽 with 动物 (dòngwù), assuming they are interchangeable. Remember, 动物 is more general and includes domestic animals, while 兽 specifically refers to wild or beastly animals. For example, saying '我有一只兽' (wǒ yǒu yī zhī shòu - I have a beast) is incorrect if referring to a pet; use '动物' instead.
Pronunciation of 兽
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Jason Explains 兽 to You
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Learning Lab
Knowing 兽 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 兽
An animal with horns 丷, eyes 田, nose 一, and mouth 口
Origin
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Decomposition of 兽
Parts
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How to say beast in Chinese
“beast” in Chinese is兽
The character 兽 (shòu) refers to beasts or animals, often with a connotation of wildness or ferocity. It can describe both real animals and metaphorically denote beastly or savage behavior in humans. Common usage includes references to wild animals in literature or discussions about nature.
When to use 兽
When using 兽, it's important to note that it typically refers to wild or feral animals rather than domestic ones. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts as it can sound dramatic; prefer 动物 (dòngwù) for general animal references. Be cautious with tones, as mispronouncing shòu could lead to confusion with other words.
兽 or something close to it
兽 (shòu) vs 动物 (dòngwù) — use 兽 for wild or ferocious animals, while 动物 is a general term for any animal.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 兽 with 动物 (dòngwù), assuming they are interchangeable. Remember, 动物 is more general and includes domestic animals, while 兽 specifically refers to wild or beastly animals. For example, saying '我有一只兽' (wǒ yǒu yī zhī shòu - I have a beast) is incorrect if referring to a pet; use '动物' instead.
Write 兽
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Practice writing 兽 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 兽
兽 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 4 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他还像一头困____一样蜷缩着坐在那儿。
He was still sitting huddled like a cornered animal.
Example Sentences for 兽 (10)
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Word Family of 兽
Words with 兽
What does 怪兽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 兽
Common phrases include 兽医 (shòuyī, veterinarian) and 兽群 (shòuqún, herd of beasts).
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