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猊 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
猊nílion, wild beast; wild horsex, 11 strokes, radical 犭
猊ní(mythical animal)unknown, 11 strokes, radical 犭
猊nítrad. form used erroneously for 貌unknown, 11 strokes, radical 犭
猊nísimplified form used erroneously for 狻unknown, 11 strokes, radical 犭
ní(ni2)ni T2
  1. 1lion, wild beast; wild horse
  2. 2(mythical animal)
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March 24, 2026

猊(貎)ní(ni2)

The character 猊 (ní) primarily refers to a lion or a mythical beast associated with wild animals. It can also denote a wild horse, though this usage is less common. The character has historical significance in Chinese literature and art, often symbolizing strength and majesty.

Strokes11Radical犭
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the lion is often seen as a symbol of protection and power, frequently depicted in stone carvings outside temples and palaces. The character 猊 captures this cultural reverence for strength and mythical qualities.

Memory tip

Imagine a lion’s mane flowing like wild hair, representing the wildness of the beast. The character 猊 has the radical 犬 (dog), suggesting its connection to animals, with the 'ni' sound reminding you of a lion's fierce roar.

Meanings of 猊

ní(ni2)
1lion, wild beast; wild horse
2(mythical animal)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 猊

猊Simplified
貎Traditional
11Strokes
犭Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 猊

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AI study notes for 猊

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 猊 with similar characters, particularly using it incorrectly in place of 貌 or 狻. This character is not commonly used in contemporary language, so it's important to understand its specific contexts and nuances. Use it primarily in literary or historical references.

HSK Study Tips

Though not included in the HSK levels, 猊 can enrich your vocabulary, especially when studying classical texts. Focus on recognizing its historical significance and differentiating it from similar characters to avoid confusion.

Common Mistakes

Learners may mistakenly use 猊 in place of 貌, thinking they are synonyms, or confuse it with 狻. Correct usage requires understanding the specific contexts for each character.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 猊

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Etymology of 猊

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

animal

Semantic (meaning)犭
+
Phonetic (sound)兒
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

猊 = 犭 + 兒. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 猊

IDS Structure⿰犭兒
猊Full character
=
犭quan3
left
兒er2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 猊?

How to say lion, wild beast; wild horse in Chinese

“lion, wild beast; wild horse” in Chinese is猊ní

The character 猊 (ní) primarily refers to a lion or a mythical beast associated with wild animals. It can also denote a wild horse, though this usage is less common. The character has historical significance in Chinese literature and art, often symbolizing strength and majesty.

When to use 猊

Learners often confuse 猊 with similar characters, particularly using it incorrectly in place of 貌 or 狻. This character is not commonly used in contemporary language, so it's important to understand its specific contexts and nuances. Use it primarily in literary or historical references.

What learners get wrong

Learners may mistakenly use 猊 in place of 貌, thinking they are synonyms, or confuse it with 狻. Correct usage requires understanding the specific contexts for each character.

Write 猊

猊

Practice writing 猊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 猊

Words containing this character1
猊nílion貎

Frequently asked questions about 猊

In modern usage, 猊 is rarely used and primarily appears in literary contexts, often referring to lions or mythical creatures.

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